The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has reaffirmed the legitimacy of its current leadership while announcing ongoing efforts to strengthen its structures nationwide and improve members’ welfare.
The Acting National President of AUATON, Comrade David Aigbornan, said this at a World Press Conference in Lagos on Monday.
Aigbornan said that in line with approved labor administrative frameworks and directives from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment, the union was consolidating its state chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said that the move was aimed at deepening grassroots penetration, strengthening shop floor representation and reinforcing participatory union democracy among app-based transport workers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all communications, directives or representations purportedly issued under the authority of Comrade Adedamola Adeniran as President, outside the constitutional structures of AUATON, are null and void.
”It has no binding effect within the union,” he said.
He called on relevant security and regulatory institutions to remain vigilant in safeguarding industrial peace in the transport sector and to prevent any action capable of disrupting lawful union activities.
Aigbornan reiterated AUATON’s commitment to lawful engagement, industrial order and constructive dialogue within recognized labor relations mechanisms.
He said the union remained dedicated to internal democracy, collective bargaining integrity, industrial harmony and the unity of the Nigerian labor movement.
The AUATON leader said the union’s priority remained the protection of members’ economic interests, especially amid the impact of fuel subsidy removal, rising operational costs and declining income in the app-based transport sector.
He added that the union had secured a strategic welfare-driven partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) initiative to address these challenges.
According to him, the initiative is designed to cushion the economic burden on members through the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas and electric mobility solutions.
Aigbornan said the intervention would reduce operational costs, stabilize driver earnings, enhance energy transition adaptation and promote sustainable urban transport development.
“This reflects a pragmatic approach to welfare and social protection for our members,” he said.
Aigbornan, however, urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the union while continuing to engage within lawful and democratic frameworks. (NAN)
