E-hailing drivers seek regulation of industry

The Professional E-Hailing Drivers and Private-Owners Association of Nigeria (PEDPAN) has called for proper regulation of the industry to ensure protection of the workers and their welfare and attract necessary investors.

The association made the call in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jossy Olawale, on Wednesday in Lagos, in which he said that a lack of government regulation and protection was a challenge in the industry.

He also called on the app companies to review their pricing system, prevent unlawful deactivation of drivers, ensure proper profiling of riders, and reduce the commission charged.

The PEDPAN publicity secretary said that the delayed certification of the association as a trade union in the e-hailing industry by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity was not helping the situation.

"The government has really not given the required attention to this multi-billion-naira sub-sector of the transportation industry in spite of several calls by PEDPAN for proper regulation that will protect drivers' welfare and attract necessary investors," he said.

The labour movement in e-hailing transportation sub-sector of Nigeria, according to him, grew speedily out of a dire need to protect workers' (drivers) common interest and advance their welfare,

"PEDPAN, therefore, is using this medium to appeal to the government and labor ministry to give the application for labor status the required attention,"" he said.

The publicity secretary also urged app companies in the industry to synergize with the union and implement policies that were favorable to all stakeholders.

He called on the Ministry of Science and Technology to mandate the app companies to carry out proper profiling of passengers, to enhance security of the drivers.

Olawale said that the association was calling on indigenous technology firms with vast knowledge in ride hailing application development and management for partnership and collaboration that would amplify the industry's hidden treasure,

He said that these include indigenous automobile companies, fleet management companies, finance and investment companies, banks and insurance companies with related business, and government at all levels.