Fuel Price Hike Adds to Ride-Hailing Drivers' Woes; Calls for Fair Commission and CNG Support

A  shockwave has reverberated through the ride-hailing community as fuel prices soared in Lagos and Abuja. With prices reaching ₦617 per litre in the capital and ₦520 in many parts of Lagos, members of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) find themselves grappling with a daunting challenge.

Vice chairman of the union, David Ademola, lamented how the earlier fuel price of ₦500 per litre had already been unfavorable for their earnings. Now, with the recent hike, their margins stand at an even more precarious position.

The union has been tirelessly advocating for a reduction in the commission they pay to ride-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt. While they acknowledge they have no control over fuel prices, they firmly believe they should have a say in determining the commission rate.

Comrade Jossy Olawale, Chairman of the media and publicity committee for the union, spoke of his relief at acquiring fuel at ₦492 per litre in Egbeda. Yet, he remains deeply concerned about the impact of fuel prices on e-hailing drivers. With a commission rate currently set at 25%, an increase in fuel costs exacerbates their already challenging situation.

Delay in Recognition Adds to the Struggle

Olawale and Ademola point to the delay in Nigeria's labor ministry recognizing AUATWON as the representative body for their interests as a hindrance to their cause. They call for swift action from the Ministry of Labour and registrar of trade unions to issue their certificate of registration. Furthermore, they urge the ministry to dismiss objections raised by ride-hailing companies and allow the union to gain official recognition.

In their relentless pursuit of a 10% commission rate, the drivers implore the federal and state governments to consider alternative means of fueling their cars, particularly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). While acknowledging the cost of conversion as a challenge, they seek government support to fund this conversion for their members, especially unemployed graduates who rely on ride-hailing as a legitimate source of income. Additionally, they call for AUATWON to be included in the ₦500 billion palliative measures to aid drivers during these trying times.

The surge in fuel prices has further compounded the challenges faced by ride-hailing drivers, leaving them searching for solutions to safeguard their livelihoods. As they persist in their quest for fair commission rates and explore alternative fueling options, their hope lies in garnering support from the government and achieving official recognition from the labor ministry. In this journey filled with perplexity and burstiness, the drivers remain unwavering in their determination to secure a brighter future for their profession.