App-based drivers have threatened to switch to new
indigenous ride-hailing apps if Uber, Bolt, inDrive and others fail to meet
their stated demands.
Public Relations Officer of the Amalgamated Union of
App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos Council, Mr Steven Iwindoye, issued
the warning in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Iwindoye said drivers are demanding fair compensation
for services rendered, and safer working conditions for both drivers and
passengers.
He added that other demands include reducing high
commission rates to five per cent, and recognition of drivers’ rights and
welfare.
The union leader expressed dismay over alleged
prioritisation of profits by Uber, Bolt, inDrive and Lagride at the expense of
drivers’ rights and welfare.
“If these companies fail to comply, we will move en
masse to indigenous app firms willing to meet our demands.
“Three such apps are already operational.
Additionally, our community is developing its own platform to end exploitation
and modern-day slavery,” he added.
Iwindoye said the recent May Day celebrations and a
24-hour operational shutdown marked a new era of resistance among app-based
drivers.
He noted that the union’s national leadership had
submitted a formal petition to the National Assembly to press for change.
The union’s Lagos council will also petition the Lagos
State House of Assembly and other concerned authorities, Iwindoye said.
“After this, we’ll announce a picketing date to take
our demands directly to these app companies.
“We won’t rest until our goals are met. All relevant
authorities, including the government, will feel our impact,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May
1, the union joined a global 24-hour strike targeting major platforms like
Uber, Bolt and inDrive.
The protest was against low fares, high commission
charges, and substandard working conditions faced by app-based transport
workers.
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