In Nigeria’s bustling cities, e-hailing has become the heartbeat of urban transport, but behind the wheel are drivers fighting silent battles. For Comrade Paul Ogenewu Gaga Umukoro, a pioneer in the sector, the story is one of resilience, exploitation, and an
unyielding push for fairness.
Please, can we know your name and background?
My name is Comrade Paul Ogenewu Gaga Umukoro. I am from Delta State and happily married with a wife and two children. I discovered my love for driving early, and I was driven by a desire to succeed and make the most of my skills. I have been in the transportation sector for more than 15 years now.
How long have you been involved in the e-hailing business in Nigeria?
I have been involved in the e-hailing business in Nigeria since 2015. I started with Uber through a friend’s recommendation. I took their exams, passed, and began my journey. Since then, I have gained over nine years of experience in the industry.
What motivated you and other drivers to join e-hailing platforms instead of traditional taxi or transport options?
I was inspired by a dream I had. I reflected on it, and when I discovered Uber, I realized it aligned with my vision. It was all through inspiration.
What do you enjoy most about driving on these platforms, and what do you find
most challenging?
As a driver on this platform, I enjoy building relationships with riders through conversations. Having a good car with working air conditioning makes passengers feel relaxed. The technology behind the platform is also a plus, as it allows me to receive requests and pick up passengers efficiently. I appreciate the convenience and flexibility that come with driving here.
The most challenging aspect is the lack of true partnership between drivers and the app companies. Despite being called “partners,” drivers are not treated as equals, and our concerns are often ignored. Companies fail to recognize the crucial role drivers play in interacting with passengers and generating revenue. This lack of synchronization and understanding is a major challenge.
What changes in policy would you like to see that could better protect drivers’
interests?
I think app companies should do more to protect drivers’ interests. I would like to see one-on-one agreements outlining terms and conditions, giving drivers a stronger voice in pricing and commission decisions. Currently, companies can change rates without consulting us, which is unfair. More transparency and communication would help us work together better.
Many people think e-hailing drivers make good money. What’s the reality from your experience?
From my experience, the reality is different. Earnings have been affected by increased competition and app companies’ pricing strategies. In the early days, when there was less competition, drivers made good income. However, with more players in the market, companies are reducing prices to attract passengers, which affects our earnings. The high commission rates charged by the platforms further reduce profits. Under these conditions, it is difficult to make a decent living.
How do rising fuel prices, car maintenance, and platform commissions affect
your take-home pay?
Rising fuel prices, car maintenance costs, and platform commissions significantly impact my take-home pay. It’s a challenge to balance the equation, especially when fuel prices surge. The commission rates and fare structures don’t always adjust accordingly, leaving drivers like me to absorb the increased costs. It’s a delicate financial situation, and it feels like the equation doesn’t balance in favor of the drivers.
Do you feel the platforms give drivers a fair share compared to what riders are charged?
The platform’s commission structure seems unfair to drivers. While riders aren’t paying much, the platform prioritizes attracting more passengers to increase their commission earnings. This leaves drivers with limited income, despite the rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. It’s challenging for drivers to earn a decent living under these conditions, and it feels like the platform isn’t listening to their concerns.
Can you recall any personal experience where your safety was at risk?
As a founding member of the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association of Nigeria (PEDPAN), I have experienced firsthand the risks and challenges faced by drivers. I’ve encountered unnecessary harassment from state officials, including the police, which can lead to unjust charges and vehicle confiscation. The lack of thorough passenger profiling and accountability from e-hailing companies puts me and other drivers at risk. I have seen tragic incidents, like the doctor who was killed by passengers, and it’s clear that we need better protection. I have been advocating for drivers’ rights, pushing for better working conditions, fair pay, and protection from harassment. I have collaborated with unions like the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and sought recognition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to amplify our voices.
Our association has now amalgamated with other groups, and we’re working towards securing better treatment from e-hailing companies and government agencies. We’re determined to have a stronger voice and fight for our rights as drivers.
Driving in Nigeria cities can be tough, how save do you feel on the job, especially at night?
Safety is a major concern for me as a driver. The lack of proper passenger profiling and accountability from app companies puts us at risk. The tragic incident I mentioned the doctor who was killed is heartbreaking, and it was disturbing that the app company tried to disassociate itself from the matter. I believe a union would help protect drivers’ rights and interests, giving us a stronger voice to address issues like safety, fair pay, and accountability.
Does the platform provide support when drivers face security issues or disputes with riders?
From my experience, platforms prioritize riders’ concerns over drivers’. If a rider reports an issue, my account can be blocked without warning or explanation. Reaching out to their offices rarely helps. We need better dispute resolution and fairness for drivers.
How would you describe your relationship with e-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt or InDrive?
I feel like e-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, or InDrive see drivers as a tool, not as partners. There’s no real relationship, it’s like dealing with robots. They use us to generate revenue, but I don’t feel like our concerns or well-being matter much to them.
Some drivers complain about sudden account suspensions and harsh ratings. Has that happened to you or your colleagues?
I find sudden account suspensions really frustrating. As a driver, I’ve built relationships with riders and provided good service, but the app’s automated system doesn’t always understand the nuances. It’s like dealing with a robot that follows rules without considering individual circumstances. I’ve helped many drivers by intervening on their behalf, reaching out to Uber’s support, and advocating for them. It’s satisfying when their accounts get reinstated, but it’s a stressful process that shouldn’t be necessary.
Do you feel drivers have a real voice in how these platforms operate in Nigeria?
No, we don’t. Even with unions, our voice is not strong enough to influence app companies’ decisions. They prioritize their own interests and forget that drivers built their platforms with our resources. We deserve more influence and a stronger say.
What is your view on the current government regulations on e-hailing in Nigeria?
Current regulations, especially in Lagos State, seem burdensome and exploitative. The Lagos State government’s initiatives, such as Lag Drive, appear to be more about taking control of the industry rather than supporting drivers. The various fees and inspections required, including the non-refundable fees for background checks and vehicle inspections, are adding to the financial strain on drivers. It’s frustrating to see double inspections and what feels like double taxation, with both the app companies and the government demanding their own inspections and fees. How can drivers like me navigate these challenges and advocate for more supportive policies?
Have these regulations improved or worsened the conditions for drivers?
They have worsened conditions. Previous administrations were more open to dialogue, but the current approach has been counterproductive. The introduction of the government’s own e-hailing app seems more like competition than support for drivers.
Drivers have staged protests before. What were the main issues that pushed you to speak out?
The biggest issue was the killing of drivers. We felt app companies weren’t doing enough to profile passengers or protect us. Meanwhile, fares were going down while commissions kept rising. We had to protest to demand action and fairness.
Do you believe an organized drivers association could make a real difference?
Yes, but only if it operates independently without interference from the companies. Unfortunately, companies often influence unions to maintain control. A united, independent association would give drivers a stronger voice and more control over our working conditions.
What changes would you like to see that could make e-hailing more sustainable for drivers?
I think building our own app could be a game-changer for drivers. We’ve got the skills, expertise, and experience to make it happen. With drivers from various backgrounds, including tech-savvy individuals, bankers, medical personnel, and journalists, we have a diverse pool of talent to draw from. Our previous attempt at building an app, MyCab, may not have succeeded due to lack of funding, but we’ve learned from that experience. This time around, I’m confident that we can get it right and create a sustainable solution that puts drivers in control. By owning our app, we can dictate the terms and ensure a more equitable distribution of revenue.
If you had the chance to speak directly to government officials and platform executives, what message would you give them?
If I had a chance to speak directly to government officials and platform executives, I’d say this: listen to us, the drivers. Give us a fair hearing and involve us in discussions about price mechanisms, commissions, and revenue distribution. We’re not just drivers; we’re stakeholders who contribute significantly to the platform’s success. We want transparency and fairness in how revenue is shared among drivers, the app company, and the government. The current pricing system is unsustainable, with drivers being forced to accept ridiculously low fares that don’t even cover our costs. It’s time for a roundtable discussion where our views are heard and considered. We deserve a seat at the table to negotiate a better deal that works for everyone. By working together, we can create a more
equitable and sustainable system for drivers, the app company, and the government.
Finally, do you see yourself doing e-hailing long-term, or is it just a stepping stone?
I’m glad I could share my thoughts on E-hauling with you. As for me, driving is more than just a job – it’s a hobby that generates income. I’ll continue to be part of the E-hailing industry, and I’m excited about the prospect of drivers owning their own app. When that happens, I believe the industry will flourish, and transportation will become a more equitable business. With the demand for transportation being so high, especially in a city like Lagos, I’m confident that driver-owned apps will thrive. I’ll definitely be investing in this space, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive changes that will come about when drivers take control of their own destiny.
