AUATON Challenges Bolt’s App Download Celebration in Nigeria
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has publicly rebuked ride-hailing giant Bolt, criticizing the company’s recent claim that its app is the most-downloaded travel and e-mobility application in the country. The union, representing drivers operating on various ride-hailing platforms, including Bolt, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the company’s focus on app downloads, arguing it masks the harsh realities faced by drivers on the ground. This response highlights the growing tension between ride-hailing companies and their drivers in the Nigerian tech landscape.
Drivers’ Concerns Take Center Stage
In a statement released to Technext and signed by the Lagos Chapter PRO of AUATON, Steven Iwindoye, the union directly addressed Bolt’s celebration of its app download numbers. The core argument of the union is that while app downloads may signify popularity, they do not translate to improved livelihoods for the drivers. AUATON questioned how the app download milestone contributes to drivers’ financial well-being or addresses the daily challenges they face. They emphasized the drivers’ perspective, stating that the celebrated app downloads are not reflective of the difficult working conditions and exploitative commission structure, described as ” Limit to save tokens,” that they operate under. The union’s statement reflects a broader concern about the exploitation of gig economy workers within the growing African tech sector. The union specifically called attention to how the company’s policies are negatively impacting the drivers.
AUATON’s critique serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked human element within the rapidly expanding African digital economy. The union’s statement highlights the critical need for fair labor practices and sustainable business models within the ride-hailing sector, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are shared equitably with the drivers who power the system.
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