Of course! App-based transport rings a bell! You need not be told, it’s the new order of transportation, where “na your money kill am.” All you need do is, get the app of your choice downloaded on your phone, as there are couple of them available. Set it up, then turn-on your location, set your location and destination, whoops! A driver is linked up to you.
This helps to simplify your journey, without stress. No need to move from the comfort of your house to the nearest bus stop before you can get to your destination. Just order and there you go!
Your money however, determines what you get.
Laborers under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, as we all know, are powered by premium motor spirit – (PMS) or popularly known as petrol, have expressed worry at the rising cost of their services following the hike in fuel price.
They said that it had negatively affected their operations and welfare.
An ex-officio of the union, Mr. Jossy Olawale, has been quoted to have told NAN on Monday in Lagos, that the rising cost of petrol had impacted adversely on their operations.
“Petrol subsidy removal has brought untold hardship to members of app-based workers across Nigeria. This is as the price of fuel increased from N184 to up to N1200.
According to Olawale, app companies’ commissions and unfavourable prices are putting drivers at risk of working for long hours, subjecting them to fatigue and health hazards.
“This also subjects the car to regular wear and tear, perpetual repairs and outright pack-up, leading to many drivers becoming unemployed.
“It was sadly deducted that he business is no longer attractive; as the cost of an average hailing car went up from two million naira to eight million naira from 2023 to 2024,” he added.
The ex-officio said that there is a need for app companies, i.e Uber, Bolt, Indrive and Rida, to collaborate with the union to provide fair and balanced standard conditions of operation at such a time as unfolding in our nation.
According to him, the conditions cover price, commission, competition and driver’s welfare.
He also urged government’s interest in regulation and legislation that would protect app-based workers.
“The union will not fail to protect and improve its member’s welfare, particularly ensuring that drivers get commensurate fare and moderate commission on a trip.
“To achieve this objective, the industry needs to witness a paradigm shift of self-regulation. This will greatly better the lives of our members, giving them control over their transport businesses as self-employed informal workers.
“He further call on all e-hailing drivers to embrace compressed natural gas as an alternative fueling means has recommended, saying that’s the only means of making a profit in the business today,” Olawale advised.
