Driver killings: AUATON condemns Uber and Bolt for failure to profile passengers

In the wake of recent reports on attacks on app-based drivers in Lagos and across Nigeria, the Nigerian app-based transporters’ union, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), has condemned app companies like Uber and Bolt for their failure to profile and verify riders/passengers on their platform.

This was disclosed in a statement by the President of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran. Recall that the Lagos police command recently arrested gangs of armed robbers who targeted Uber and Bolt drivers. The gangs have killed at least two drivers before they were apprehended.

Reacting to the development, Comrade Adeniran expressed grave concern over the alarming spate of killings of app-based transporters across the country. He then criticized the hailing platforms for their failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of drivers, despite repeated calls for reform.

He pointed out that negligence in profiling riders has created a dangerous environment for app-based drivers.

“For years, platforms have refused to do what is right by implementing proper rider profiling systems. This failure has endangered the lives of our members and left families mourning their loved ones,” Comrade Adeniran said.

The AUATON president disclosed that the families of drivers who died in the line of duty have not been compensated by the app companies and warned that the union would be forced to seek legal intervention if Uber and Bolt continue to neglect their duties.

Uber and Bolt drivers under siege in Lagos

The union’s reaction is coming a week after the Lagos State Police Command announced the arrest of seven gangs who targeted and killed two Uber and Bolt drivers across the state.

According to a BBC report, on January 9, two suspects ordered a ride from Chevron, Lekki to Obalende. When they got to a lonely area of Obalende, the suspects attacked the driver and stabbed him severally before robbing him. The driver died.

In another incident, a three-man gang abducted an e-hailing driver, Oluwaseyi Fowler in Ajah, killed him and robbed him of his Toyota Camry which they sold to a criminal buyer who has also been arrested.

Commendations have poured in for the police following the arrest. One such pat on the back was tendered by app company, Bolt, whose General Manager, Osi Oguah, described the police’s action as “swift and decisive”.

“We applaud the Lagos State Police Command for their swift and decisive action in dismantling these criminal gangs. The safety of our driver-partners and riders is our top priority, and we will continue to invest in tools, technology, and partnerships that enhance security,” the GM said.

However, the Lagos state State Commissioner, CP Olarenwaju Ishola, while announcing the arrest, warned e-hailing drivers to be careful about the passengers they pick. He also advised them not to take more than one passenger if possible, to search the rider or make sure they sit in the front where they could observe them closely.

The AUATON president echoed the commissioner’s statement while accusing Uber and Bolt of consistently avoiding meaningful dialogue with the union to address drivers’ rights and safety concerns, including passenger profiling.

“Despite numerous attempts to engage in negotiations, the platforms have consistently refused to sit at the table to bargain about the rights of drivers. This disregard for the welfare of transporters is unacceptable,” Comrade Adeniran said.

He also warned that the union would be left with no choice but to pursue legal action if the platforms continue to neglect their responsibilities.

“If they do not act swiftly to profile passengers and ensure justice for the families of the deceased workers, we will be compelled to take legal measures to hold them accountable,” he said.

He advised the recent reports of attacks and killing of drivers ought to serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the app-based transport industry to take decisive steps in addressing these critical issues. He warned that failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the safety of drivers and the future of the industry in Nigeria.

See also: Bolt reportedly migrates to fixed pricing like inDrive as e-hailing fares soar