The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s exit from Nigeria, describing the decision as “unprofessional” and “irresponsible”.
The union made its position known in a statement signed by its National spokesperson, Mr Jossy Adaraniwon, on Wednesday.
Uber announced on Wednesday that it had taken the “tough decision” to wind down its operations in Nigeria effective Sept. 2, after 12 years in the country.
The company said the decision followed a review of its business and its evolving priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber, which launched in Lagos in 2014, said the withdrawal was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in other African markets.
The company also said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and local team members during the transition.
Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until Sept. 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
Reacting, AUATON described Uber’s withdrawal as a demonstration of “total disregard for workers’ rights and dignity”.
“There was no consultation or transition plan for the thousands of Nigerian drivers who helped build the platform,” the union said.
AUATON alleged that Uber’s exit was a direct consequence of what it described as the company’s “exploitative foundational business model”.
The union alleged that the model failed to recognise workers’ rights, rejected collective bargaining and prioritised profit over driver welfare.
It further alleged that Bolt and InDrive adopted the same business model, contributing to the competitive pressures in Nigeria’s e-hailing sector.
“The result today is longer waiting times, lower revenue for drivers, and fewer active drivers on the platforms because of poor working conditions,” AUATON said.
The union warned Bolt and InDrive that they could suffer a similar fate if they failed to engage with it on issues affecting drivers.
“This should serve as a clear lesson to Bolt and InDrive: 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,” it said.
AUATON also accused Uber of institutionalising what it called an exploitative business model in Nigeria and starting a “race-to-the-bottom” which it alleged other platforms were copying.
The union called for its recognition as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters in Nigeria.
It also demanded fair pay and a welfare package for drivers, to be incorporated into platform applications and collective agreements.
“We call for transparency, safety, and decent work in line with International Labour Organisation’s standards for platform workers,” AUATON said.
The union urged drivers not to be discouraged by Uber’s departure, saying the development demonstrated that platforms built on exploitation could not survive in Nigeria.
“We urge all drivers to remain united and to support platforms that are willing to sign collective agreements with AUATON,” it said.
AUATON also urged Bolt and InDrive to engage in dialogue with the union, warning that it would not allow foreign platforms to exploit Nigerian drivers without accountability.
“Time is running out. AUATON will not allow foreign platforms to come, exploit Nigerian drivers, and leave without accountability,” it said.
As of press time, neither Bolt nor InDrive had responded to the allegations by AUATON.
Uber has separately clarified that its decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria was not related to the recent Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
The company said its withdrawal was based on its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
