E-hailing drivers across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin City, operating under the banner of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have issued a threat to halt e-hailing services on December 17. This drastic action is declared in solidarity with a nationwide protest against escalating insecurity in Nigeria, spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to which AUATON is affiliated.

According to state chairmen of AUATON, app-based transport workers are among the most acutely affected by the prevailing insecurity. Their daily operations expose them to significant risks on highways, inner-city roads, and remote routes, where incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, assault, and extortion have become alarmingly frequent. Comrade Amos Omoruyi, the Rivers State Chairman of AUATON, emphasized the extreme vulnerability of their members, stating, “As transport workers, our members are exposed to serious risks while carrying out legitimate economic activities.”

The Rivers State chapter of AUATON has assured the public that their participation in the protest will be peaceful, lawful, and meticulously coordinated in conjunction with other labour unions and civil society groups. The union underscored the critical importance of worker safety, asserting that "The safety of Nigerian workers is non-negotiable. A secure environment is fundamental to decent work, economic growth, and sustainable national development. AUATON stands in solidarity with the NLC and the Nigerian people in this collective call for a safer country.”

The NLC National Executive Council had previously instructed all its state council chairpersons and affiliate unions, including AUATON, to fully mobilize for the planned nationwide demonstration against the country's worsening security situation. This directive comes amidst a persistent crisis that has seen no significant abatement, despite increased security measures and the appointment of new officials like the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa.

Nigeria's security challenges have garnered international attention, with former US President Donald Trump designating the country as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) following claims of a Christian genocide. Domestically, recent incidents highlight the severity of the crisis. On November 21, 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. While 25 schoolgirls abducted earlier in Kebbi state were rescued, only 100 of the Niger State school children have been released. Beyond these high-profile cases, countless attacks on farming communities in the Middle Belt have resulted in tens of thousands killed, widespread destruction of homes and places of worship, and millions displaced to IDP camps. The southern regions also grapple with rampant kidnappings, armed robberies, and even operations linked to organ harvesting criminal organizations.

In response to these dire developments, the NLC has resolved to amplify its voice against insecurity and the relentless killings through the protest scheduled for December 17. State executives are tasked with ensuring the extensive mobilization of all affiliated workers, unions, and the general public within their respective states. The Rivers State Council of the NLC, for instance, has already issued a directive to its affiliated unions to converge at the state secretariat for the protest. Similarly, in Lagos, AUATON has actively collaborated with the state NLC, and its chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, confirmed their unequivocal participation, stating, “Of course. We are affiliated with NLC so we will be there.” The outcome of this significant nationwide protest against insecurity remains to be seen.