By Jane Okeke
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers (AUATWON) and the African Forum for Restorative Justice (AFRJ) have called for mandatory profiling of riders amid rising security concerns in the app-based transport sector.
The groups made the call at a reparative panel held in Abuja, where drivers and families of deceased workers shared testimonies of robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and fatal attacks linked to ride-hailing platforms.
President of AUATWON, Damola Adeniro, said the event was aimed at adapting restorative justice principles to labour relations in the digital economy.
According to him, platform workers are often trapped in “ambiguous and disguised” employment relationships that deny them social protection while exposing them to serious occupational risks.
He said evidence presented showed that weak passenger verification had contributed to cases of manslaughter and aggravated assault against drivers.
Adeniro called for mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) verification for all platform users to restore trust and prevent repeat victimisation.
Also speaking, President of AFRJ, Prof. Donjohn Omale, said the summit created a platform for victims who lacked the resources to pursue lengthy legal battles.
He added that proper profiling was crucial for accountability, worker safety, and national security.
