The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has condemned Uber’s decision to end its operations in Nigeria, describing the move as unprofessional and irresponsible.
National Spokesperson of AUATON, Jossy Adaraniwon, alleged that Uber left the Nigerian ride-hailing market without giving drivers adequate prior notice.
In a statement Wednesday, Adaraniwon said the decision showed disregard for the thousands of Nigerian drivers who helped build Uber’s operations in the country.
He alleged that Uber’s exit was the result of an exploitative business model that failed to adequately protect workers’ rights or support collective bargaining.
According to him, Bolt and InDrive later adopted similar practices, contributing to what he described as a “race to the bottom” in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.
Adaraniwon said the situation had resulted in longer waiting times for passengers, reduced earnings for drivers and a decline in the number of active drivers because of poor working conditions.
He warned Bolt and InDrive against adopting practices that could further disadvantage drivers and urged 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 the union’s position remained that AUATON should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters in Nigeria.
He demanded fair remuneration, welfare packages, transparency, safety measures and decent working conditions for drivers, in line with International Labour Organisation standards.
The union spokesperson also urged AUATON members across the country not to be discouraged by Uber’s departure, but to remain united and support platforms willing to enter into collective agreements with drivers.
“To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,” he said.
Adaraniwon further alleged that Uber 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 the union to create internal crises and frustrate efforts to negotiate better conditions for drivers.
The union spokesperson said AUATON would not allow foreign ride-hailing platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit local drivers and leave without accountability.
Uber announced Wednesday that it was winding down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, bringing an end to its more than a decade of operations in the country.
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