The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria has decried increased cases of job losses among its members following the high cost of living and the seemingly poor economy in Nigeria, coupled with high fuel prices.
The organization leadership said that vehicle owners affiliated with both Uber and Bolt have been selling their cars en masse to cop with the country’s dwindling economy, leaving many drivers jobless.
Nigeria is under the new leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, upon assuming office, did away with fuel subsidies, suddenly raising fuel prices across the country. Many car owners and drivers were forced to switch to using of LPG as an alternative.
Even though Nigeria produces its oil, the bulk of it is exported leaving the country with just a few barrels that are often overpriced and with proceeds being stolen by the many corrupt officials within the Nigerian government.
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“Now, some investors who bought cars and gave it to drivers are finding it hard to cope. They are selling out their cars and withdrawing from the business. This is reducing the numbers of drivers daily which is affecting some of our members because many people are losing their jobs,” said Jusy Olawale, the spokesperson of the taxi organization.
“On our various platforms, we see people requesting cars because their car owners have withdrawn their cars as they cannot cope with the current situation. The issue is that once your car becomes faulty, the amount you had saved for three months may not be enough to repair it,” he added.
In Kenya, Bolt has been under fire from the government through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for being unfair to drivers by deducting them higher commissions and undercharging customers. NTSA had threatened not to renew the contract for Bolt.
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