The Amalgamated Union of App-based Drivers of Nigeria (AUATON) has praised vehicle financing company Moove's decision to transfer full ownership of its cars to drivers as the company exits the Nigerian market, describing the move as an "unprecedented act of corporate empathy."

In a statement signed by National Spokesperson Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, the union said that while corporate exits typically bring hardship for affected workers, Moove has rewritten the script on corporate responsibility in Africa.

"AUATON explicitly commends the management of Moove and its visionary Nigerian co-founders, Ladi Delano and Jide Odunsi, for an unprecedented act of corporate empathy. By completely wiping off remaining debts and gifting full ownership of eligible Suzuki vehicles worth ₦35 billion directly to their fleet drivers from October 1, 2026, they have shown what it means to be true 'sons of the soil'. Instead of leaving our people stranded, these proud Nigerian funders have turned thousands of everyday drivers into immediate, independent owners," the statement reads.

For drivers on Moove's financing plans — lessees paying toward their vehicles rather than owners from the outset — that debt cancellation is what determines whether the company's withdrawal leaves them with a car outright or with obligations still owed to a departing lender.

The union went on to wish the company, its founders, and its international teams a brighter and more prosperous future as it concludes its pioneering operations in Nigeria — the very market that birthed its global vision in 2020. AUATON noted that Nigeria served as the testing ground where Moove proved its innovative blueprint before growing its mobility infrastructure across other continents, and expressed hope that the company will carry the resilient spirit of Lagos into every new market it enters.

The union also congratulated members who have received full ownership of their vehicles, saying the development reflects years of tireless work under the company's umbrella.

"For years, you navigated harsh economic terrains, rising fuel costs, and relentless daily targets. Your patience and hard work have finally converted into lifelong equity. You have officially moved from being lessees to being car owners, and the Union celebrates this monumental win with you," AUATON's statement reads.

A Contrast to Uber's Departure

Moove announced its exit from the Nigerian market on Thursday, October 8, without stating any reason. The announcement came roughly a month after Uber — the company's major investor and exclusive mobility partner — shut down its own operations in Nigeria. In its exit notice, Moove said drivers will be granted full ownership of their vehicles while being relieved of obligations of up to ₦35 billion.

According to AUATON, while the Nigerian vehicle financing company's decency deserves to be celebrated, the contrasting behaviour of foreign companies exiting the market should not be ignored.

"Just last month, Uber wrapped up its operations and walked away from Nigeria after 12 highly profitable years. Despite exploiting local labour since 2014, the multi-billion-dollar foreign giant left without a single kobo in compensation, severance, or asset relief for the dedicated Nigerian drivers who built their empire. This serves as a stark reminder of how foreign conglomerates view Nigerian workers as merely extraction tools," the union said.

The statement added that Moove's patriotic departure proves that local tech leaders understand the heartbeat of the Nigerian people. Consequently, the union is calling on all transport workers and everyday commuters to redirect their loyalty toward Nigerian-owned, driver-first digital platforms.

"We strongly urge a collective shift towards indigenous solutions like SimpliRide, a homegrown app designed to keep profits within Nigeria while empowering drivers with fairer subscription options rather than predatory commissions. It is time to back the businesses that back us," the union said.

The exit now sets up a clear timeline for readers to follow. Ownership transfers are scheduled to begin from October 1, 2026, and Moove has offered no stated reason for leaving the market where its global journey began in 2020. How Nigeria's app-based drivers reposition in the months ahead — and whether AUATON's appeal to rally behind homegrown platforms such as SimpliRide gains ground once both Uber and Moove have gone — remains the sector's open question.

Source: TechNext24