E-hailing drivers, under the banner of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have rejected the recent fare reduction plan announced by some app companies and the Presidential Committee on the National Gas Initiative (P-CNGi).
In a statement obtained by News Review on Wednesday, the union, which represents over 120,000 drivers in Lagos and 300,000 nationwide, expressed its disapproval through its state chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez.
The union stated that it was excluded from the discussions and did not endorse the fare reduction decision.
The union emphasized that any significant decision, such as fare reductions for riders, should be discussed and agreed upon with its members, who are the ones directly implementing these changes.
“It has come to our attention that representatives from certain app companies (Uber/Bolt) and the P-CNGi met in Abuja to discuss fare reduction arrangements.
This has raised serious concerns among AUATON members. We want to make it clear that AUATON and its members were not involved in these discussions and do not support the decisions made at the meeting in Abuja.
“Our members, who own and operate their vehicles and interact directly with riders, are the backbone of this industry. We believe that any crucial decision, like fare reductions, should involve us, the implementing arm of the transaction.
Therefore, AUATON does not support any unilateral fare reductions that have not been carefully considered in terms of their impact on our operations and our members’ livelihoods,” the statement read.
The union urged the government, through the P-CNGi, to provide complete conversion kits and cover the associated installation costs.
The union stated that once these conversion kits are fully provided and the installation costs are paid, they could implement reasonable fare reductions that would positively impact Nigerians.
Azeez also called on the government to engage in direct discussions with union members, criticizing the app companies for not adequately representing their interests.
“As the only union representing app-based transporters operating 24 hours a day, AUATON is uniquely positioned to advocate for the rights and interests of our drivers.
Based on our experience, app companies have not adequately represented our members’ interests, as we are the true business owners and operators.
“We assume that prior discussions regarding CNG Kit interventions and desired fare reductions were held between the Federal Government, through the P-CNGi, and the app companies. However, this will not achieve the desired results.
The union can speak for itself and present its case directly to the P-CNGi, understanding the critical nature of this matter.
We urgently seek direct discussions with the P-CNGi on all the issues mentioned, and we are ready to cooperate with the Federal Government to achieve the desired outcomes swiftly,” Azeez added.
AUATON also demanded fair commission rates, fare adjustments, and support from the Lagos State Government.
Among its other demands were a five percent commission rate, free CNG kits for vehicle retrofits, and involvement in the price reduction process.
Additionally, Azeez called for direct discussions with the P-CNGi on CNG kit interventions and fare reductions, expressing concerns about the impact on drivers’ livelihoods.
He warned that the union would embark on nationwide boycotts and protests if the app companies refused to meet their demands.
Finally, AUATON called on stakeholders to support their efforts for a more equitable industry and requested that LagRide vehicles be allocated to their members, highlighting the Lagos State government’s initiative to empower youth in the e-hailing sector.
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