By Sylvester Thompson
A Nigerian company, E. F Network Limited, Owners of Gab taxi, an indigenous e-hailing application, has introduced a comprehensive Group Life Insurance coverage, accidental and medical for its drivers.
Mr Gideon Egbuchulam, Chairman and CEO of E.F Group disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
Egbuchulam was responding to questions on Gab taxi’s package for its drivers following the 72 hours strike embarked upon by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON).
The AUATWON which represents drivers on the platforms of e-hailing companies such as Uber and Bolt, are protesting the increase in commission by 25 to 30 per cent by these foreign app-based enterprises.
According to the Union’s statement, this falls short of the union’s demand for a 200 per cent boost and a 50 per cent drop in commission, provoking a 72-hour strike which began on Wednesday.
The e-hailing drivers embarked on the strike action with the intention of getting the sector operators to reach a dialogue with them over challenges confronting their operations.
Accordingly, the union said the dispute was necessary to understand what constituted fair charges in response to the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.
Egbuchulam said he was thrilled to announce to all Gab taxi drivers, a significant enhancement of the commitment to their welfare and security as part of the Gab taxi family.
“We have 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 would enjoy numerous benefits.
Egbuchulam mentioned these benefits to include N1, 500.000 death benefit whereby, in the unfortunate event of untimely passing, drivers’ nominated beneficiary would receive a substantial financial benefit as support during challenging times.
Also, a N750,000 temporary and permanent disability fund set aside to cater for any driver who encounters either temporary or permanent disability as a result of accident, to help such through the recovery process.
Another insurance policy was a N250,000 allotted to critical illness which would be deployed to ensure that drivers have access to the necessary funds for treatment and care.
The Chairman of E.F Group also mentioned a N100,000 medical cover to support and address the issue relating to health and wellbeing of all Gab taxi drivers.
“This policy provides coverage or medical expenses, ensuring that drivers have access to quality healthcare when needed.
“We understand that safety and peace of mind are of utmost importance, hence we are proud to offer this comprehensive insurance coverage exclusively to our dedicated drivers.
“This insurance package is an additional benefit that comes with being a Gab Taxi driver, emphasising our commitment to their welfare,’’ Egbuchulam said.
He stated that by providing this insurance coverage, E.F Network had taken a significant step towards building a supportive community and fostering a sense of security among Gab taxi drivers.
He noted that drivers hard work and dedication contributed immensely to the success of Gab Taxi, therefore, it was their priority to ensure that drivers have the protection they deserve.
Reacting to allegations that some of these foreign e-hailing companies use agents to operate, rather than duly registering, just to avoid payment of tax based on their revenue, Egbuchulam said this was regrettable.
However, he declared that Gab taxi was born to correct many the ills meted out to Nigerian drivers especially poor treatment and welfare.
“So, instead of protesting, let Nigerian drivers join Gab taxi, we met 100 per cent of their demand when others did not,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 15, a Nigerian company, E.F Network Limited launched Gab taxi, an indigenous e-hailing application, tagging it the best local content and lowest commission for drivers.