Rivers AUATON Rejects Bolt’s Dialogue Call, Labels it “Disrespectful” and Exclusionary

Port Harcourt, July 16, 2025 – By [Your Name]

The Rivers State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has strongly rejected a recent invitation by Bolt to meet with drivers in the state, describing the move as “disrespectful” and a deliberate attempt to sideline the union that represents the collective voice of app-based transport workers.

In an exclusive chat with Technext, Rivers State AUATON Chairman, Comrade Amos Omoruyi, disclosed that Bolt ignored a formal request made by the union in June to hold an open and inclusive dialogue regarding persistent welfare issues affecting drivers. Instead, Bolt opted to directly invite individual drivers to a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, bypassing the union entirely.

AUATON Condemns Bolt’s “Backdoor Approach”

“We officially wrote to Bolt through our secretary seeking a transparent engagement. But instead of acknowledging us or responding respectfully, they went behind to arrange a meeting with individual drivers,” said Comrade Omoruyi.

He added that the move undermines the legitimacy of AUATON, which is government-recognised as the body mandated to represent the interests of app-based transporters in the state.

“This meeting appears to be organised through the back door—excluding the very union that initiated this dialogue on behalf of the drivers,” Omoruyi stated.

A History of Fruitless Meetings

This isn’t the first time Bolt has attempted to convene such discussions. According to the union, previous meetings were unproductive because drivers were neither allowed to speak freely nor offered real solutions.

Omoruyi accused Bolt of using these meetings to push their own agenda while ignoring the drivers’ harsh working realities.

“That pattern must not repeat itself. Bolt’s idea of a roundtable has always been about forcing their bidding down the throats of drivers,” he said.

Union’s Demands Ahead of July 23 Meeting

The Rivers State chapter of AUATON has issued a firm list of demands for any upcoming engagement with Bolt, or any other e-hailing platform such as Uber or inDrive:

• Recognition of AUATON as the legitimate representative of drivers in Rivers State

• Unhindered participation of drivers with space for open expression

• Clear and enforceable outcomes rather than vague, non-binding promises

• Fair pricing model that reflects the current economic climate

• Transparent deactivation processes with avenues for fair hearing

• Lower commission rates that allow drivers to earn sustainably

• Improved support systems and in-app safety features for driver protection

Drivers Facing Mounting Pressures

Omoruyi painted a grim picture of what life is like for app-based drivers in the current economic climate. He noted that fuel prices have surged, vehicle maintenance costs have tripled, and yet trip fares remain stagnant.

“Most drivers now spend more on fuel than they earn per trip,” he said. “This is unsustainable. Many are running at a loss with the hope that the future will be better—but it never is.”

Another major concern is arbitrary account deactivations. Drivers often find themselves permanently banned without investigation or due process, leaving them jobless without explanation.

“Drivers lose their only source of income overnight due to unverified complaints,” the union chairman lamented.

Safety, Communication, and Dignity

In addition to economic concerns, AUATON criticized Bolt for poor communication and lack of support during emergencies. The union cited frequent incidents of robbery and harassment, calling for stronger verification, emergency response mechanisms, and in-app safety protocols.

In a letter addressed to Bolt, the union reminded the company of the human side of the business:

“These drivers are not just numbers on your dashboard; they are fathers, mothers, youths, and responsible Nigerians trying to earn a living with dignity.”

Final Warning: “We Seek Partnership, Not Patronisation”

Comrade Omoruyi concluded with a warning: AUATON will no longer tolerate being sidelined or tokenized in future engagements. He called on Bolt to engage sincerely and constructively, or risk a breakdown in relations with the very workforce that powers its operations.

“We seek partnership, not patronisation. Dialogue, not tokenism,” he declared.

As the July 23 meeting approaches, all eyes are on Bolt to see if the company will revise its approach and truly listen to the concerns of those behind the wheels.

Related: [How Bolt, Uber drivers in Abeokuta renegotiate app prices by over 100%]
Also Read: [Uber, Bolt, inDrive accused of ‘corporate insensitivity’ ahead of May 1 shutdown in Rivers]