A prominent faction within Nigeria’s e-hailing drivers’ union, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), has voiced strong opposition to recent calls for Nigerian airport authorities to allocate dedicated car parks for e-hailing drivers. This stance, detailed in a statement signed by acting factional president David Nosa and general secretary Ayoade Ibrahim, asserts that such a move contradicts the fundamental principles and operational jurisdiction of the union and the broader e-hailing industry. This comes after a previous proposal by another union faction, led by Adedamola, suggested the Ministry of Aviation rent out airport parking spaces for its members in exchange for daily token payments, following accusations by drivers that Lagos airport authorities demanded a N45,000 fee and a Bolt-branded uniform for using taxi facilities.

According to the AUATON faction, every union operates within a defined jurisdiction, and their mandate explicitly precludes the operation of physical car parks. Their union was established to focus on technology and applications that connect drivers to customers through platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Indrive. They emphasize that their operational model relies on customer and driver applications working in tandem to meet the needs of app-based workers. Consequently, drivers operating at the airport are intended solely for customer pick-ups and drop-offs, not for forming permanent parking arrangements. Brief waits for passengers to clear their luggage may be permissible if a flight landing is scheduled, but prolonged stays are not aligned with their operational philosophy.

The faction further criticized Bolt’s past decision to sponsor a park for its drivers, labeling it a mistake that fostered a 'cabal' and created problems at the airport. They argued that such sponsorship runs contrary to Bolt’s own policy and is therefore unacceptable. Reaffirming their core operational model, the faction stated, “Our app is our park,” underscoring their digital-first approach. They explicitly declared that their members should not be coerced into purchasing uniforms or engaging in negotiations that do not genuinely represent AUATON’s interests. Moreover, the union condemns any 'toutish' operations involving the harassment of members, stressing that AUATON’s certification differs from traditional unions. Members experiencing harassment are strongly encouraged to report incidents to the police and the union secretariat immediately, with legal action promised against those engaging in touting, as it is strictly prohibited by AUATON.

Addressing the notion of negotiating with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ayoade Ibrahim, the factional general secretary, clarified that the issue of airport access for app drivers should not be contentious. He confirmed that FAAN has already made adequate provisions, granting app drivers access to the airport for both drop-offs and pick-ups. Ibrahim elucidated that the only aspect legitimately open for negotiation is the extension of the time allowed for these brief drop-off and pick-up activities. He reiterated that AUATON operates under a distinct framework centered on application-based transportation, rather than traditional road transport.

Ibrahim underscored the union’s principle of minimizing stay time in any single location, as drivers are expected to move dynamically to serve multiple customers efficiently. This operational design is intended to be dynamic and efficient, ensuring drivers are constantly on the move. He drew a crucial distinction between a 'parking space' – a designated area for temporary vehicle stops for pick-ups or drop-offs – and 'running a park,' which implies a more permanent operational facility. Therefore, negotiations should focus solely on the duration e-hailing drivers are permitted to wait briefly in designated airport spaces to complete their tasks, preventing potential disruptions or congestion. This clarification, he concluded, is vital for the smooth operation of airport activities and efficient service delivery.