This planned 24-hour protest by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) really underscores the growing tension between gig economy workers and app-based transport companies—not just in Nigeria but globally. It seems like these issues have reached a boiling point.
AUATON’s grievances—low wages, unsafe working conditions, exploitative policies, and what they call unjust deactivations—mirror complaints from gig workers in many countries. The inclusion of newer concerns like facial recognition systems also highlights how surveillance tech is becoming another flashpoint in worker-employer dynamics.
What’s especially notable is their clear shift from negotiation to what Iwindoye calls “economic pressure.” A shutdown on May 1—International Workers’ Day—feels very deliberate and symbolic.
Are you following this because you’re in Lagos or connected to the ride-hailing space? Or just generally interested in labour movements and digital platform work?