Gab taxi drivers to enjoy group life medical, accident insurance

A Nigerian company, E. F Network Limited, Owners of Gab taxi, an indigenous e-hailing application, has introduced a comprehensive Group Life Insurance coverage, accidents and medical benefits for its drivers.

Mr Gideon Egbuchulam, Chairman and CEO of E.F Group, disclosed this in an exclusive interview on Friday, in Abuja.

Egbuchulam was responding to questions on Gab taxi’s package for 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 will enjoy numerous benefits.

Egbuchulam mentioned these benefits to include; N1, 5million death benefits whereby, in the unfortunate event of untimely passing, drivers’ nominated beneficiary would receive a substantial financial benefit as support.

He also said a N750,000 temporary and permanent disability fund, had been set aside to cater for any driver who encountered either temporary or permanent disability as a result of accident, to help them through the recovery process.

Another insurance policy was a N250,000 allotted to critical illness, which would be deployed to ensure that drivers had access to the necessary funds for treatment and care.

The Chairman further mentioned a N100,000 medical support to address health relating issues welfare 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 Group had taken a significant step towards building a supportive community and fostering a sense of security among Gab taxi drivers.

He noted that the drivers hard work and dedication contributed immensely to the success of Gab Taxi, therefore, it was their priority to ensure that drivers had the protection they deserved.

Reacting to allegations that some of these foreign e-hailing companies were using agents in their operations instead of duly registering drivers, just to evade tax on their revenue, Egbuchulam said this was regrettable.

He, however, said that was precisely the reason that Gab taxi was born; to correct the many the ills meted out to Nigerian drivers.

“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 E.F Network Limited, a Nigerian company, on May 15, lunched Gab taxi, an indigenous e-hailing application, tagging it the best local content and lowest commission for drivers.