The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has filed a petition with the National Assembly, accusing global ride-hailing platforms Uber, Bolt, and InDrive of systemic corporate violence, worker misclassification, and repeated neglect of drivers? rights and safety.

The petition, dated May 1, 2025, was submitted to the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions and outlines what the union describes as ?precarious working conditions? for thousands of Nigerian app-based drivers.

The association Is calling on lawmakers to intervene urgently, citing cases of violent attacks, exploitative policies, and denial of labour rights.

The AUATON National President, Damola Adeniran accused the tech giants of failing to implement adequate safety measures and of exploiting a regulatory gap in Nigeria?s labour classification system.

?Several families have been left isolated to mourn their loved ones from incidents occurring on platforms.

?Platform drivers have been victims of manslaughter, carjacking, car theft, and other violent crimes.

?This problem stems from the misclassification of drivers under a disguised employment relationship,? Adenira stated.

According to the petition, ride-hailing drivers are wrongly classified as ?self-employed,? which allows the platforms to avoid granting them essential benefits such as health insurance, fair compensation, social protection, and the right to collective bargaining.

The union referenced both national and international legal frameworks that support workers? rights, including Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 91 of the Labour Act, and various International Labour Organization conventions.

The union?s petition detailed several harrowing incidents faced by its members, referencing the case of Kevin Ogah Ede, a driver who was allegedly murdered in October 2023 during a ride.

It was reported that his vehicle had a tracker, but the perpetrators were never brought to justice, and the union claimed his family received no support or communication from Bolt.

The case of Pastor Luka, a driver, was shot in the neck during a failed carjacking attempt in May 2024.

?Although, he survived after spending two months in the hospital,? AUATON claims, they said two of his attackers were released without prosecution.

The union blames the lack of passenger vetting and inadequate emergency response protocols on the part of ride-hailing platforms.

According to the petition, AUATON is demanding, ?A National Restorative Conference in July 2025, involving legislators, regulators, platform operators, and worker representatives to reevaluate the employment status of app-based drivers and extend formal protections to them.

?Good faith participation from ride-hailing platforms in the conference, with the understanding that attendance is not an admission of guilt, but a step toward systemic reform.

?Legislation following the conference, developed in collaboration with unions and government regulators, to create enforceable rules governing platform-based work.?

The union also criticised the National Collective Agreement adopted in May 2024, saying it has failed to improve drivers? conditions or hold platforms accountable.

AUATON urged the National Assembly to learn from those shortcomings and pass stronger laws that specifically regulate algorithmic management, worker misclassification, and driver safety.

?This petition challenges the actions of platforms in Nigeria as a violation of the constitutional and fundamental human rights of app-based transport workers.

?We hope lawmakers act swiftly to regulate misclassification, lack of social protection, and algorithmic management,? Adeniran stated. (The PUNCH)

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