E-hailing Drivers Threaten Protest Over Lagos, Uber Dispute

E-hailing Drivers Threaten Protest Over Lagos, Uber Dispute

E-hailing drivers in Lagos, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, are on the verge of staging a protest against the ongoing dispute between the Lagos State government and Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited……READ ALSO Lagos State Attorney-General Affirms Readiness For State Police Establishment

According to Punch, the drivers are reacting to recent actions by the state’s Ministry of Transportation (MOT), which has begun impounding vehicles of Uber app users, citing non-compliance with the data-sharing agreement.

The state government has mandated Uber to integrate its application programming interface (API) for real-time data sharing during trips for monitoring and accountability. Despite Uber’s assurance of data sharing through a secure platform, the specifics of real-time data provision remain unclear.

Jossy Adaraniwon, a spokesperson for the drivers’ union, detailed the MOT’s strategy of placing bait requests on the app to trap and seize vehicles upon arrival.

The union issued an ultimatum, warning of a potential protest at the governor’s office should the impounding of vehicles continue.

Adaraniwon criticized the government’s actions as “barbaric” and called for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s intervention to halt the vehicle seizures, emphasizing the negative impact on his administration’s image.

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotosho suggested that drivers direct their grievances towards Uber instead of protesting against the government. He empathized with affected drivers but stressed compliance with government directives for safety and security.

Omotosho questioned Uber’s motives and reiterated the government’s commitment to regulatory adherence for the welfare of Lagosians and visitors.

He stated, “Instead of protesting against the regulatory authorities, I think what they should do is to protest against Uber.”

“We should all consider what they are doing and see whether they want to jeopardize the safety of Lagosians or visitors. I sympathize with drivers whose vehicles have been seized; that should not have happened. What is Uber hiding?”

The government’s stance underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and safety measures in the e-hailing sector.

Join our channel for more latest news https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaV4jB6DuMRgwqnJCF32