E-hailing drivers operating under the App-based Amalgamated Union of Transporters of Nigeria have reduced the level of job losses among its members following the withdrawal of investors.
The union lamented that vehicle owners are selling their vehicles due to the declining economy of the country.
He spoke in an interview with Saturday Punch, AUATWON spokesperson, Josie Olawale, said investors were finding it difficult to cope with rising petrol prices and maintenance costs.
He said, “Now, some investors who bought cars and gave them to drivers are finding it difficult to cope. They sell their cars and get out of business. This is reducing the number of daily drivers, which is really affecting some of our members as many are losing their jobs.
„Across our various platforms, we see people requesting cars as car owners have recalled their cars because they are unable to cope with the current situation. The problem is that once your car breaks down, your savings for three months may not be enough to fix it.
He further said, “That is why we are asking the government to support us with the alternative CNG they are talking about as we have been badly affected by the removal of subsidy and increase in the pump price of fuel. ”
In June, the union protested against the high commission rates set by Uber and Bolt, despite rising petrol pump prices, which cut into their earnings.
They also demanded safety of drivers as some attacks and killings have been recorded in some parts of the country.
Speaking on the current situation, Olawale said that no change has been made to overhaul the commission, adding that the insecurity situation has worsened.
He also said that for safety precautions, the details of the passengers should be informed to the drivers before picking them up.
He said, „During the protest in June, we demanded reduction of commission, increase in fares and reduction of safety of drivers as the identity of the drivers was not known. So far, there has been no significant change.
„When there are attacks on drivers, the application company, most of the time, hides the passenger’s data. We have come across a situation where a driver was attacked, but there was no information about the passenger he was carrying before the attack.
„That is why we are calling for adequate data collection and the government should regulate the sector. The National Identification Number can also be used in this regard.