Following the recent removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, app-based transport companies such as Uber, Bolt, and Indriver, are being urged by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) to increase their fare prices by 200% and set a minimum trip fare of N2,000.00. The Union’s National President, Adedamola Adeniran, expressed concerns about the new fuel price and how it was adversely affecting the earnings and patronage of its members, who lack the capacity to increase their fare rates unlike independent cab drivers, branded taxi drivers, and bus drivers.
The AUATWON has also requested that app companies reduce their commission charges by 50% or set their commission at 10% flat without any additional hidden costs, since the homogeneous commission charges have made their business unprofitable. The Union is also requesting the app companies to subsidize the riders’ trip fare by at least 5% to cushion the impact of the fuel price hike.
Jossy Olawale, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the union, has appealed to the app companies to act on the union’s demands and respond immediately. However, he also encouraged members of the union to lawfully conduct their businesses and be peaceful in their approach while awaiting confirmation from the union.
It is yet to be seen if Uber, Bolt, and other app-based companies will heed the union’s call to action and increase their fares accordingly.
Note that Facebook policy prohibits content that encourages self-harm or suicide, hence, the need for caution when discussing price hikes and the removal of fuel subsidy.
NAN
