The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has expressed deep dissatisfaction over what it describes as unfulfilled commitments by LagRide and its partner, Choice International Group Motors Ltd (CIG Motors).
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, Steven Iwindoye, Public Relations Officer of AUATON’s Lagos Chapter, said that despite undergoing a mandatory four-day training programme, most of the promises made to participating drivers—referred to as “captains”—remain unfulfilled.
He said the persistent failure of the LagRide app to function optimally has significantly hindered drivers’ ability to earn a stable income and serve commuters effectively.
“Captains in areas such as Ikorodu, Badagry, Igando, Abule Egba, Alagbado, Epe, and other outskirts often receive no trip requests unless they relocate to the Island, Ikeja, or other central parts of Lagos,” Iwindoye noted. “This has discouraged many commuters from using the service and turned them toward alternative modes of transport.”
He criticized the service rollout, saying it lacked proper market research, public visibility studies, and sufficient advertising, which he argued are essential for competing effectively in the e-hailing industry.
“Rather than addressing these structural issues, captains continue to be unfairly blamed, even as they strive to meet their asset repayment obligations while supporting their families,” he added.
Iwindoye also pointed out that key features—such as daily remittance visibility, in-app asset repayment tracking, and fair coverage across all regions—remain unavailable, further deepening frustrations among drivers. He called for an immediate state-wide public awareness and advertising campaign to increase the app’s reach and restore user confidence.
Despite paying for insurance, repairs, and vehicle maintenance through Ibile Holdings for over two years, he said captains have received no meaningful support, especially in cases of accidents.
The union also raised serious concerns about the app’s data and user policy, alleging that it appears to mirror China’s Cybersecurity Law, including excessive data collection and surveillance measures incompatible with Nigerian law.
“As a sovereign nation, Nigeria is governed by the NIMC Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR),” Iwindoye stated. “Enforcing foreign data frameworks on Nigerian workers constitutes a breach of our sovereignty and undermines our national legal structures.”
He urged LagRide and CIG to urgently revise the app’s policies to align with Nigeria’s labour and data protection standards, and ensure it functions efficiently across all regions of Lagos.
The union further demanded immediate implementation of previously promised incentives and full transparency regarding insurance, maintenance, and repayment tracking. Additionally, AUATON called for a switch to daily payments, in line with initial agreements made with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and AUATON.
“Given the gravity of these issues, we strongly recommend a collaborative return to the drawing board,” Iwindoye concluded. “Let us redesign this initiative together to meet the needs of both the captains and the commuting public, ensuring the long-term success of the LagRide scheme.”