The Nigerian app drivers union has achieved a significant milestone as it recently obtained its official trade union certificate from the Nigerian Ministry of Labour. This certificate grants the union the authority to function as a trade union, dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of e-hailing drivers across the nation.
With the issuance of this new certificate, the union has undergone a name change; it is now known as the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), a departure from its former name, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON).
According to Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, the General Secretary of AUATON, the journey to secure recognition as a government-endorsed trade union commenced back in 2016. He expressed his joy at the realisation of their efforts, emphasizing that the victory is collective and owes credit to their international partners. Despite achieving legal backing, Ayoade highlighted that their work has only just begun, focusing now on advocating for the rights of their members across the entire country.
Explaining the rationale behind the name change, Comrade Ayoade elucidated that the new name, AUATON, is more specific, centered solely on transporters, whereas the previous name had a broader scope encompassing various types of workers. The shift was made to maintain their independence and assert themselves effectively in discussions with app companies.
Ayoade proudly stated that the receipt of the certificate solidifies AUATON’s distinction as Africa’s pioneering app workers union.
The journey to establish a union for app-based drivers originated in 2016 when Uber unilaterally cut drivers’ earnings by 40%. In response, the National Union of Professional App-based Transport Workers (NUPA-BTW) emerged, contesting this decision. By 2017, NUPA-BTW initiated the process to gain government recognition as a trade union, marking the start of a protracted and tumultuous five-year journey. The sector’s novelty and perceived insignificance initially led to little attention to their application.
Positive change came about in 2021 with the appointment of a new registrar to the Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. At this point, AUATON had already aligned itself with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and in January 2023, they secured official government approval.
AUATON’s formation brought together three pre-existing organizations: the National Union of Professional App-based Transport Workers (NUPA-BTW), the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association of Nigeria (PEDPAN), and the National Coalition of Ride-Sharing Partners (NACORP).
However, AUATON’s journey was marked by disagreements with prominent e-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt. These companies contended that the drivers were independent partners and therefore ineligible to form a workers union. AUATON, in response, accused them of trying to control the union’s functioning covertly, a practice known as “yellow union.”
Despite these challenges, AUATON managed to reach a breakthrough following discussions between the union and ride-hailing companies, brokered by the Federal Ministry of Labour in June. This led to the apparent recognition of AUATON by the companies.
The AUATON’s influence extends beyond formal recognition; it has led drivers in multiple protests, including a ten-day boycott of hailing apps like Uber and Bolt to demand fare increases that correspond to the removal of fuel subsidies and subsequent price hikes. In August, AUATON joined the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in a nationwide demonstration against the hardships faced under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.