The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s decision to stop its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, describing the exit as unprofessional and alleging that the company left thousands of drivers without prior notice.
AUATON National Spokesperson, Jossy Adaraniwon, made the allegations in a statement on Wednesday, accusing Uber of disregarding the Nigerian drivers who helped build its platform and blaming what he described as an exploitative business model for worsening conditions in the country’s ride-hailing sector.
Uber announced on Wednesday that it would cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, Adaraniwon said Uber’s exit was irresponsible and showed a disregard for the welfare of Nigerian drivers.
He alleged that Uber’s business practices had failed to respect workers’ rights and collective bargaining, adding that Bolt and InDrive later adopted similar practices.
According to him, the development had contributed to what AUATON described as a “race-to-the-bottom” in the ride-hailing sector.
Adaraniwon said the situation had resulted in longer waiting times for passengers, lower earnings for drivers and a decline in the number of active drivers due to poor working conditions.
He warned Bolt and InDrive against following what he described as Uber’s approach and called on both companies to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.
“If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,” he said.
Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remained that the union should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters in Nigeria.
He demanded fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions for drivers, in line with International Labour Organisation standards.
The spokesperson also urged AUATON members across the country not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support ride-hailing platforms willing to enter into collective agreements with the union.
“To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,” he said.
Adaraniwon further alleged that Uber had played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour over AUATON’s registration.
He also alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to create internal crises and frustrate discussions on drivers’ welfare.
He said AUATON would not allow foreign ride-hailing platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and leave the country without accountability.
