The Employment Status of Nigerian Workers in the Gig Economy : Using Uber as a Case Study

Owing to strides in technology like mobile applications and online platforms, thousands of Nigerian workers now earn a decent income through 'gig" work, which affords them the flexibility to set their own hours and choose which jobs to take or not to take. This growth, which has become dominant in the last five to seven years, has however sparked concerned over the lack of rights and status given to these workers in such industries. In May 2017, Uber cut fares by 40%, thereby triggering drivers strike in Lagos Nigeria commercial city. In Abuja, Nigeria capital city, low fares in addition to the high commission rates have been an ongoing tussle between Uber and their drivers.1 According to one aggrieved driver, ‘They don’t even consult with us. What is the essence of a partnership if decisions are one way?2 More recently the Lagos state Government had a round table discussion with these tech companies and thereafter introduced stringent regulatory measures for ride hailing companies such as Uber, Taxify (now Bolt) to mention a few. However, this did not sit well with the drivers of these platforms who have been absent from the negotiations. They expressed dissatisfaction at not being invited to the round table discussion, citing the fact that these ride-hailing companies never saw them as employees but merely as contractors.3 This article seeks to examine the employment status of these gig workers in Nigeria. It suggests that introducing a third force, i.e a new category of workers called “the independent employee” that would fit into the modern day economy may provide the much-needed solution to this lacuna