By Joan Nwagwu
Stakeholders have called for stronger protection of Nigeria’s app-based drivers to address victimisation, misclassification, and workplace harm.
Prof. John Omole, President of the African Forum for Restorative Justice made the call at the African Restorative Justice Summit, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, digital workers, especially the app-based drivers deserve dignity, protection and a voice, especially when they suffered harm while providing essential services through app-based platforms.
Omole said that many victims had remained silent for years due to fear, weak protections and unclear employment classifications within app-based platforms.
He said that the restorative justice offered an alternative to punitive models by focusing on dialogue, healing and shared responsibility among workers, platforms and regulators.
According to him, ignoring harm suffered by workers dehumanises labour and weakens trust, ultimately affecting productivity and workplace harmony.
Omole said the forum was working with legal experts, peacebuilders and platform representatives to develop a draft restorative framework for workplace application.
He added that the framework would serve as a guiding principle for digital labour relations and could be adapted by government institutions and private organisations.
Omole commended partners and researchers involved in the initiative, including the Digital Labour Workers Initiative, for advancing worker-centred policy conversations.
He expressed hope that the outcomes of the summit would influence national labour policies and promote dignity, accountability and humanity in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Also, Mr Damola Adeniran, President, Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, said the initiative aimed to strengthen the voices of app-based transport workers across sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria.
According to him, the platform workers face widespread misclassification arising from ambiguous contractual arrangements.
“Platform workers are largely misclassified through ambiguous contractual agreements that deny them labour rights, social protection, and access to effective grievance mechanisms.
“This misclassification creates insecurity, weakens accountability, and exposes drivers to violence, economic hardship, and unfair deactivation without due process,” he added.
Adeniran said the initiative promotes collaborative engagement among workers, regulators, labour inspectors, and digital platforms.
He said that restorative justice emphasised shared responsibility rather than blame or punishment.
He called for a regulatory framework anchored on social dialogue and African Union-level cooperation.
Representatives of major platforms of the app-based drivers also pledged to address workers’ concerns.
Mr Ibrahim Madaki of Bolt assured stakeholders that all complaints would be conveyed, and the company’s legal department would ensure necessary steps were taken to address the issues.
Also, Ms Adaeze Umahi, representing InDrive, said that the drivers’ plights would be given due consideration
“Your complaints are very important. I have listened to your testimonies and experiences, which are very touching, and I will bring them to management for review,’she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
