- Ask app companies to reduce commission to five per cent
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, has called on app companies (Uber and Bolt ) to reduce their commission to five per cent as demonstrated by platforms like Indrive and Rida.
The union also seeks for direct discussions with the Presidential Committee on the National Gas Initiative (PCNGI) on fare reduction.
Addressing reporters in Lagos, the Chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez, said the representatives from certain app firms (Uber/Bolt) and the Presidential Committee on the National Gas Initiative (PCNGi) had met in Abuja on the fare reduction.
He said this raises significant concerns with AUATON members.
His words: “We want to categorically state that AUATON and its members were not involved in this discussion and do not endorse the decisions emanating from the said meeting in Abuja.
“Our members, who own their vehicles and interface with riders, are the backbone of this industry, and we believe that a crucial decision such as fare reduction for riders should be discussed and agreed with us who are the implementing arm of the transaction.
“AUATON, therefore, would not support any unilateral fare reductions whose impact on the operation of our vehicles and the livelihood of our members has not been carefully considered.
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“If app companies refuse to comply with our demands, we will initiate a nationwide boycott of their services and organise protests to shut down their operations.”
The union called on them to provide free CNG kits to retrofit their vehicles.
“AUATON recognises and applauds the effort of Mr. President and P-CNGi in offering cheaper and cleaner autogas fuel to Nigerians and the notion to achieve fare reduction through this means.
“However, our Union has no idea of any concrete plans of the Federal Government to adequately support AUATON with the most crucial element that enables the vehicle conversion which is, the conversion kits and labour.
“We heard it as grapevine that the government through the P-CNGi had offered to pay for half of the conversion kit that they will supply.
“If this move is true, we appreciate it but we seek a more holistic approach to solving this problem which is for the Federal Government to provide the complete conversion kits and the associated installation cost.
“Upon getting the complete conversion kits and the full payment of associated installation cost, AUATON can swiftly after conversion of our members’ vehicles effect reasonable fare reduction that impacts positively on the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
The union also called on the Lagos State government to recognise the vital contributions of their members and support platforms that prioritize the needs of genuine platform workers.
“Our drivers are the backbone of the transport industry,” he said.
The union’s Treasurer, Comrade Uche Ijeomah, said AUATON remains committed to advocating for fairness and transparency in the app-based transport sector.
He, however, said the app companies have not been fair in their dealings with them.
“We urge all stakeholders to join us in our quest for a more equitable industry, where drivers are valued and fairly compensated for their hard work,” he said.
