AUATON Condemns Uber’s Abrupt Exit, Warns Bolt and InDrive Over Driver Welfare

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has strongly criticized Uber’s sudden withdrawal from the Nigerian market, accusing the company of abandoning thousands of drivers who helped build its operations in the country without notice, consultation or a transition plan.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by National Spokesperson Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, the union described Uber’s departure as unprofessional and symptomatic of a business model that prioritises profit over driver welfare and rights.

“Uber’s exit is the direct consequence of its exploitative foundational business model,” AUATON said, alleging that the company failed to recognise workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

The union extended its criticism to Bolt and InDrive, arguing that competition among the major ride-hailing platforms has contributed to falling driver earnings and worsening working conditions. It warned that the current environment, longer waiting times, lower driver revenue and fewer active drivers — should serve as a caution to remaining operators.

AUATON specifically urged Bolt and InDrive to establish what it called a genuine framework for collective bargaining with the union.

“If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON to protect and prioritise driver welfare, you will suffer the same fate,” the union warned.

The union said its demands remain consistent: recognition as the bargaining representative of app-based transporters, fair remuneration and welfare packages, and transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

AUATON also called on its members nationwide to remain united and support platforms willing to enter into collective agreements, while leaving the door open for dialogue with Bolt and InDrive,  though it cautioned that “time is running out.”

The union further accused Uber of playing an “anti-union and anti-worker” role during its time in Nigeria, alleging that the company petitioned the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration, sponsored individuals to create internal crises and frustrated efforts to establish dialogue on better driver conditions.

AUATON said it would not allow foreign ride-hailing companies to enter the Nigerian market, benefit from local drivers’ labour, and leave without accountability. The union insisted that the future of Nigeria’s app-based transport sector must be built on fair pay, collective bargaining, safety and dignity for drivers.

“AUATON will not forget Uber’s anti-union and anti-worker role it played in Nigeria,” the union said.