The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a set of directives to major ride-hailing operators including Uber, Bolt, InDrive, Rida, and LagRide, in response to complaints from drivers regarding alleged exploitative practices on their platforms.
The directives were part of a recent public hearing organized by the Assembly’s Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Public Petitions, following a petition filed by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON.
The petition alleged non-compliance with regulatory standards, violation of workers’ rights, and corporate negligence by the companies.
In a statement issued by AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, Mr Azeez Jaiyesimi, on Thursday, the Assembly requested a full audit of driver payment structures, deductions, and commission rates.
The lawmakers also demanded an explanation regarding the deactivation of drivers, which the union claims has been carried out without transparency or accountability.
The Assembly also directed the ride-hailing firms to submit their operational terms and conditions to facilitate the review and potential reform of policies governing app-based transport services in the state.
“The hearing sent a resounding message: the era of silence, exploitation, and impunity in the ride-hailing sector is coming to an end.
“This is more than a labour dispute, it is a fight against digital colonialism and modern-day exploitation masked as innovation,” Jaiyesimi said.
He noted that the hearing brought attention to several challenges affecting drivers, including lack of safety measures, insufficient rider identity verification, high commission charges, and inadequate welfare structures such as health insurance and compensation in cases of harm or death.
Among the union’s demands were reduced commissions, structured welfare contributions, and accessible health coverage for app-based drivers.
AUATON also expressed appreciation for the support received from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, particularly its Lagos Chairperson, Mrs Funmi Sessi, whose participation helped spotlight the grievances of drivers.
The movement has begun. We will not be silenced. We will organise, mobilise, and demand justice until every app-based transport worker in Nigeria is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” Jaiyesimi added.
The hearing has been adjourned, with the next session date to be announced.
