Uber and Bolt drivers in Nigeria are seeking inclusion in FG’s free CNG conversion program

Drivers using the Uber, Bolt and InDrive platforms, among others, have called for inclusion in the federal government’s free conversion of commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG).

The Vice President of the South-Western Amalgamated Association of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the umbrella body of app-based drivers, Kolawole Aina, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) in Lagos on Friday.

According to him, many drivers are already leaving the business due to high gasoline prices, which make it unprofitable.

Aina noted that AUATON is registered and recognized by the federal government, so it should not be marginalized in the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of fuel price increases on professional drivers.

Why email drivers were excluded

The AUATON vice-chairman stated that the exclusion of e-mail drivers from the government’s free conversion initiative is because they are perceived as private companies. He stressed, however, that their neglect would also affect the economy.

“The federal government has not included email drivers in this free program because we are seen as private carriers, but later the government will want to talk to email companies to lower their prices.

“Now, if these companies lower prices, who will bear the brunt, will it be the app development company or the drivers? How will the country’s economy develop?” he asked.

According to the trade union leader, if the issue of conversion to CNG is removed from AUATON members, they will be able to meet their needs despite the high costs of car parts.

Uber, Bolt’s commission

Also reacting to price increases offered by companies using the app, Aina stated that whenever companies increase prices, they do not disclose the parameters used.

He stated that the increase did not have a positive impact on drivers, but rather that they were deceived by the high commission rate and the number of trips.

The vice president condemned the inconsistency in charging drivers high commission rates that did not help them or the economy.

He said app development companies charge drivers commissions as high as 32-28%, adding that this has a negative impact on drivers, especially the economy.

“The high commission rate is too much for drivers. We appeal to app producers to review, especially due to the high cost of living in the country.

“Drivers are trying hard to meet this demand and that’s why many of them are dying from fatigue,” said a trade union leader.

History

In July, the federal government began converting gasoline and diesel-powered commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas for free in a bid to lower transportation costs across the country.

It launched the exercise in Abuja and Lagos, calling on commercial transport owners to join the program and bring in their vehicles for conversion. The government announced that the use of CNG will reduce transport costs by over 40%.
It said the initiative would benefit commercial transporters belonging to various unions including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Nigerian Road Transport Owners Association.