Juliet Onyema
The leadership of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has called for structural reforms on the Bolt platform as rising operational costs squeeze drivers’ earnings.
In a statement signed by Steven Iwindoye, public relations officer of AUATON, the union stated that drivers have operated under extremely difficult conditions, and are calling for real reforms, fair pricing structures, transparent policies, and stronger protection for those who power the platform
They highlighted the rising cost of fuel, expensive vehicle maintenance, and operational expenses such as data and servicing as challenges drivers are grappling with, adding that the fares offered to them through the platform remain unsustainable.
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“After deducting platform commissions and covering operational costs, many drivers are left with very little income despite working long hours daily.
“This situation is not only unfair but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of hardworking drivers who depend on this work to support their families,” the statement read.
AUATON also noted that in addition to economic hardship, drivers continue to face serious concerns regarding safety, unfair account deactivations, and policies introduced without proper consultation.
They stated that drivers have repeatedly attended meetings and discussions in the past, hoping that meaningful solutions would emerge; however, many of the engagements have not resulted in practical improvements for drivers.
These drivers further called for unity and caution regarding the proposed roundtable meeting, saying, “Until there is clear evidence that such engagements will lead to genuine solutions for the challenges drivers face.”
“The voice of drivers must not be ignored, and their concerns must be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” the statement read.
Juliet Onyema
Juliet Onyema is a transport journalist who reports on Nigeria’s transport and automobile industry. She covers emerging Electric Vehicles (EVs), ranging from adoption to usage, automobile firms and transport policies which affect them, and also recurring trends affecting commuters’ mobility interstate and intrastate.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
