By Sylvester Thompson
A Nigerian company, E. F Network Limited, owner of Gab taxi, an indigenous email messaging application, has introduced comprehensive group life insurance, accident and medical benefits coverage for its drivers.
Mr Gideon Egbuchulam, Chairman and CEO of EF Group revealed this in an exclusive interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Egbuchulam was answering questions about the Gab taxi package for drivers following the 72 hour strike, launched by the Merged Union of App Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON).
AUATWON, which represents drivers on the platforms of email companies such as Uber and Bolt, is protesting the 25-30% commission hikes by these foreign app-based companies.
According to the union’s statement, this falls short of the union’s demand for a 200 per cent increase and a 50 per cent cut in commissions, prompting a 72-hour strike that began on Wednesday.
The e-hailing drivers have embarked on the strike action with the intention of bringing operators in the sector into dialogue with them about the challenges facing their operations.
As a result, the union said the dispute was necessary to understand what constituted fair charges in response to the recent hike in gas prices at the pump.
Egbuchulam said he was delighted to announce to all Gab taxi drivers, a significant improvement in the commitment to their welfare and safety, as part of the Gab taxi family.
“We’ve partnered with a renowned insurance company to bring you a comprehensive group life insurance policy that offers substantial benefits designed to protect you and your loved ones,” he said.
According to him, with this new insurance coverage, Gab taxi drivers will benefit from many advantages.
Egbuchulam mentioned these benefits to be included; N1.5 million death benefit whereby, in the unfortunate event of an untimely death, the beneficiary designated by the drivers would receive a substantial financial benefit as support.
He also said that a temporary and permanent disability fund of N750,000 has been set aside to meet the needs of any driver who encounters temporary or permanent disability as a result of an accident, to assist them throughout throughout the recovery process.
Another insurance policy was a critical illness N250,000 which would be rolled out to ensure drivers had access to funds needed for treatment and care.
The President further mentioned 100,000 Naira medical support to address health issues related to the welfare of all Gab taxi drivers.
“This policy provides coverage or medical expenses, ensuring drivers have access to quality healthcare when needed.
“We understand that safety and peace of mind are of the utmost importance, which is why we are proud to offer this comprehensive insurance coverage exclusively to our dedicated drivers.
“This insurance package is an added benefit that comes with being a Gab Taxi driver, underscoring our commitment to their welfare,” Egbuchulam said.
He said that by providing this insurance cover, the EF Group had taken a significant step towards building a supportive community and promoting a sense of safety among Gab taxi drivers.
He noted that the hard work and dedication of the drivers contributed immensely to the success of Gab Taxi, therefore, it was their priority to ensure that the drivers had the protection they deserved.
Reacting to allegations that some of these foreign email companies used agents in their operations instead of duly registering drivers, just to evade income tax, Egbuchulam said it was regrettable.
He however said that this was precisely the reason why Gab taxi was born; to correct the many ills inflicted on Nigerian drivers.
“So instead of protesting let the Nigerian drivers join Gab taxi, we have fulfilled their request 100% while others have not,” he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EF Network Limited, a Nigerian company, on May 15 launched Gab taxi, an indigenous email app, calling it the best local content and the lowest commission for drivers. . (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore