The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has criticised remarks describing some e-hailing drivers as thieves, saying the language unfairly damages the reputation of legitimate operators.
The union’s Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, responded in a statement issued on Monday.
His remarks followed comments by social media commentator Certified Courtist, who reportedly compared drivers accused of cheating or overcharging passengers to thieves.
Iwindoye said public commentators were entitled to express their views but argued that discussions about the ride-hailing sector should be factual, balanced and informed by the realities confronting drivers.
According to him, using criminal labels in a broad manner could create the impression that thousands of app-based transporters earning lawful incomes were dishonest.
He said such generalisations were unfair to professional drivers who complied with platform rules and treated passengers responsibly.
The AUATON spokesman, however, stressed that the union did not support theft, fraud, assault or other misconduct by drivers.
He said any operator found guilty of a criminal or unethical act should be investigated and sanctioned in accordance with the law.
Iwindoye argued that public conversations about passenger safety often failed to examine the wider structure of Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.
He said drivers operated within commercial systems controlled by ride-hailing companies, which determined fares, commission rates, incentives, account deactivation policies and other working conditions.
According to him, app companies should also be scrutinised when discussing problems affecting drivers and passengers.
He listed arbitrary account suspensions, rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs, security risks and limited social protection among the challenges faced by drivers.
Iwindoye also said some operators considered platform fares inadequate when compared with the cost of maintaining their vehicles and remaining on the road.
He rejected suggestions that drivers dissatisfied with working conditions should simply leave the industry.
The union official described many app-based transporters as entrepreneurs, investors and breadwinners whose families depended on their earnings.
He said some drivers purchased vehicles with personal savings, cooperative loans, bank financing, hire-purchase agreements or fleet arrangements.
Others, he added, operated vehicles owned by investors who also relied on ride-hailing income to repay loans and meet family obligations.
Iwindoye said asking drivers to abandon the sector ignored the financial interests of vehicle owners, families and other people connected to the business.
He argued that the focus should instead be on creating a safer, fairer and more sustainable e-hailing ecosystem.
The AUATON spokesman called on Certified Courtist and other public commentators to engage drivers, vehicle owners and industry representatives before making broad statements about app-based transporters.
He said drivers, passengers and ride-hailing companies should all be held accountable for their conduct and responsibilities.
Iwindoye added that lasting reform would require balanced regulation, better working conditions, passenger protection and stronger dialogue among stakeholders.
He reaffirmed AUATON’s commitment to professionalism, passenger safety and the welfare of app-based transporters.
The union also expressed readiness to participate in discussions aimed at improving Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.
