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App-Based Transport workers adopt national regulating framework to improve drivers’ welfare

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By Matthew Denis

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has adopted a National regulating framework to improve the welfare of members.

Members of AUATON comprise owners and drivers of drivers using Bolt, Uber, Rida and indriver network cutting across major cities in the country.

Speaking at the training Workshop held in Abuja, the President of AUATON, Comrade Damola Adeniran said the essence of the event is targeted at improving the conditions of workers in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

Comrade Adeniran disclosed that the workshop focuses on creating a legal framework to protect, secure and foster the welfare of platform workers.

“It also aimed at regulating the operations of the platform workers and to generate tax revenue for the government.

“The workshop adopted national operating regulations and guidelines for app-based transport workers and platform operators.”

According to him the Digital Labour Worker Initiative project was attended by stakeholders and participants from various sectors which includes platform operators, Federal Ministry of Transport, Labour and Employment, legislative study actors, platform work researchers, Academia and law enforcement agencies.

Others were insurance companies, labour unions, Chartered Institutes of transportation, social welfare actors, worker rights activists, platform workers, and business investors.

Dr Tonye Jaja of the National Assembly Institute of Legislative Study moderated the workshop and explained the boundaries of policy, regulation, law, and Act regarding application and implementation while relating with the government.

He emphasised the most important aspect of having a legal regulation that will foster the welfare and well-being of the union members nationwide.

Mary-Ann Momoh, representative of Indrive’s public policy, affirmed the importance of collective agreements between the union and the platform to promote and protect the welfare of app-based transport workers as the only way platforms can successfully operate considering the economic situation in Nigeria.

She reassured the participants of InDrive’s full compliance with the regulations.

The Rida Hub Expert and Operations Manager, Destiny Sunday Ameh who shared his experience as an app-based transporter before joining Rida tasked them to avoid defaulting their operations.

He confirmed the company’s readiness to comply with the regulation and new development  for smooth partnership.

Bolt public policy, West and Sub-Saharan Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, recognised the need to involve states to avoid duplication of regulation and confirmed her organisation’s support as the reason for her presence at the workshop.

However, Uber was the only multinational app present in more than one state in Nigeria which was not represented at the workshop.

The Registrar of the Trade Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Amos Falonipe called for collective bargaining and affirmed the position of the Nigeria Labour Act regarding membership of unions and deduction of check-off dues from the source.

He lauded the understanding of the union and platform advocating for a regulation that addresses the concern of both.

Mr. Falonipe pointed out that individuals could opt out as members of the union in writing as everyone under the scope of the union’s industry  is recognised as a member for payment of check-off dues.

Professor Samuel Akinwumi of Lagos State University who was one of the panelists recognised the need to adopt a holistic approach noting that some of the current regulations do not in any way address app-based transporters’ welfare and challenges.

Dr Nenye Okafor Lagos State University who was a Guest lecturer at the workshop raised issues concerning: Finance (Price-union wants to be part of price decision Commission-The need for a universal commission benchmark that does not create unhealthy competition, and Tax- The need to credit tax on behalf of driver to obtain tax clearance);

“Safety and Security (Passenger safety-Profile passenger using NIN, Driver safety-UID number compulsory for drivers, Dashcam, panic button and voice recording, no penalty for trip decline, mass campaign against offline trip, no restrictions, charges or penalty for calling passengers before trip,  and vehicle- passenger confirm marching plate number).”

Others were Conditions of Service (Driver’s status-platform should recognise transporters as employees and treated with courtesy, Dismissal- adoption of human factors, investigate and give 48hrs response, share crime information with the union before dismissal, Suspension, and dispute resolution); and Welfare (Insurance, Health-affordable health insurance like the Lagos scheme should be adopted by other state, HMO, should be unconditionally given to all drivers, Grant-grant support should be given to drivers during tough time Pension-Contributry pension should be made compulsory across all platform for all drivers, Loan-soft loan and grant support-should made available for driver during difficult time among others.

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Mushin LG Chairman flags off construction of Yusuf Street road, promises solar lighting

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The Mushin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye on Wednesday flagged off the construction of Yusuf Street road in Papa Ajao.

The project is expected to bring relief to residents and traders in the area and is set to be completed within six months.

According to Bamigboye, the project is a fulfillment of his campaign promise to the people of Mushin, and he expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to execute the project.

He urged residents to cooperate with the contractor and the local government to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The councillor representing the ward, Ayomide Abioye, expressed his joy and appreciation for the project, stating that it is the longest street in Papa Ajao and will bring immense benefit to the community.

Also, the Baba Oloja of Ladipo International Market, Eze Monday, also commended the Executive Chairman for the project, stating that it will make a significant impact on the development of the area.

The project includes the construction of the road and the installation of solar lighting, which is expected to enhance security and facilitate economic activities in the area.

Residents and traders in the area have been warned not to disturb the contractor or disrupt the project in any way.

Meanwhile, the traders applauded Hon. Bamigboye for demonstrating its commitment to infrastructural development and the welfare of its citizens.

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Giving back to community — Prof Oyedokun speaks on motives

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Lead Facilitator Professor of Accounting & Financial Development Founder OGE, Prof. Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun, has disclosed that giving back to society community is his motive for pursuing his career.

He made the disclosure in an article titled “My motive for running a free professional diploma course in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation is of several folds.”

He said, “Running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is also motivated by my desire to give back to the community.

“By sharing my expertise and knowledge without any financial barriers, I am helping individuals from diverse backgrounds and financial situations to acquire valuable skills and advance their careers.”

The academic reiterated that the motive for running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is centred around education, skill development, community service, and professional growth.

It is a way to contribute to the accounting profession, address a skill gap, and empower individuals in their pursuit of knowledge and career advancement.

According to him, “Promoting Education and Professional Development to contribute to the growth and development of the accounting profession by providing individuals with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the specialised field of forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

“By offering this free course, i am enabling aspiring professionals to access valuable education that might otherwise be costly or inaccessible.”

The Don addressing the need for expertise in Forensic Accounting said, “In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for professionals skilled in forensic accounting and fraud investigation due to the rise in financial crimes and fraudulent activities. By offering this free course, I am helping to address this skill gap and aiding in the fight against financial fraud.”

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Airport tolls: Nigeria lost billions under old rules — Keyamo

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that the Federal Government lost 82 percent which is equivalent to N10 billion in revenue that ought to accrue from airport tollgates under old rules.

Keyamo revealed this to State House correspondents during the week at the end of a two-day meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

The minister lamented that the ministry accumulated 82 percent in the negative from the complimentary e-tags printed by the ministry, noting that 82 percent of the e-tags are given free of charge to VIPs.

He stated, “Let me give you the shocking statistics. The negative figure that we get at the end of the day from the complimentary e-tags is 82 percent, in the negative.

“In other words, where we are supposed to have a 100 per cent contract on the e-costs from these e-tags that we print, it is only 18 per cent that we now end up selling. That is how bad it is. 18 per cent and 82 per cent of these e-tags are given out free of charge to VIPs. So, imagine the loss in my sector, and I ask myself,Which other sector will I go to that they give me anything free?’

“Is it because I’m a VIP that you say that in FCT, I should not pay land charges that you waive it for me? I pay for that sector. I pay for power. Yes, I pay for everything. So, why would anybody now come to my own sector and want to get free passage? Not possible. That is how bad it is.”

He added that free e-tags to the VIPs had in the past led to the loss of billions of naira

“So this has led in the past to loss of billions of naira, not millions, annually. Yet, our airport infrastructure, you know, is decaying. I am helpless. I’m looking for concessionaires. I’m looking for help with decaying infrastructure.

“They will be the first to cry out, these same VIPs – ‘why are the toilets like this? Why are your toilets smelling? Why can’t you do this?’ They are the same people, but they don’t pay for the services. So, if we want improved infrastructure at the airport, we must pay for services,” he said.

The minister lamented that due to the policy of exemption, the ministry makes only about N100 million instead of making about N260 million from a particular airport gate every month.

“I’ll give you another example. In one of the access gates, based on the count of the barrier going up and down, we are supposed to be making N250m or 260 million from that gate every month. That gate, because of exemptions, the return to us is less than N100 million every month,” he added.

To end the loss, the FEC decided that the president, vice president, and other top government functionaries would start paying access fees or the e-tag at all 24 federal airports across the country.

Prior to this development, the president, vice president, and some government officials were exempted from paying access fees at the airports’ gates.

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