The conviction follows Uber’s exit from Nigeria

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria, describing it as unprofessional.

AUATON National Spokesperson, Jossy Adaraniwon, has said Uber has abandoned the Nigerian ride-hailing market without prior notice to drivers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adaraniwon described the development as irresponsible and a disdain for thousands of Nigerian drivers who built the Uber platform.

He said Uber’s exit was the result of what AUATON described as an exploitative business model that ignores workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

According to him, Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted similar practices, contributing to a “race to the bottom” in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.

Adaraniwon said the situation has led to longer waiting times, lower driver earnings and fewer active drivers due to poor working conditions.

He warned Bolt and InDrive against exploiting drivers, urging both platforms to establish real collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.

“If you continue to operate without creating an authentic climate for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,” he said.

Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remains that the union should be recognized as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters.

He called for fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labor Organization standards.

The spokesperson urged AUATON members nationwide not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to sign collective agreements.

“To Bolt and InDrive: the door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,” he said.

Adaraniwon also said Uber has played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labor against union registration.

It further alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to instigate internal crises and frustrate dialogue about driver well-being.

He said AUATON will not allow foreign platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and walk away without accountability.

Uber on Wednesday announced its decision to cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.