Members of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Edo State Chapter, staged a peaceful protest in Benin City on Thursday, decrying what they described as exploitative practices by app-based transport companies operating in the state.
The protesters, who marched to the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), called on companies such as Bolt, Uber, and In-Drive to treat drivers with dignity and fairness.
Speaking during the protest, the Edo State Chairman of AUATON, Comrade Russell Eghaghe, described the situation as “unbearable,” noting that drivers were being subjected to poor treatment, low pricing, and a lack of consideration in key decisions.
Eghaghe further expressed concern over the persistent harassment drivers face from local government task forces. He explained that many app-based drivers now avoid the central parks due to the risk of being arrested or fined for not purchasing official tickets from the local councils.
“We are not against regulations,” Eghaghe stated, “but we are against unfair practices. We want the government to involve drivers in policies that affect our operations and welfare.”
Addressing the protesting drivers, the Edo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, commended the peaceful nature of the demonstration. He urged the union to remain law-abiding and not allow miscreants to hijack the protest.
The union reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement while calling for urgent dialogue between government agencies, transport companies, and driver representatives to address the growing concerns in the industry.
