The Lagos State Government has mandated all e-hailing operators to ensure that their drivers present their vehicles for inspection, in a move aimed at improving safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance across the sector.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this at a recent engagement with the operators at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja. He stated that the Ministry has observed the deplorable condition of some vehicles operated by drivers under licensed e-hailing platforms within the State, necessitating a comprehensive audit of all vehicles in use. According to him, any vehicle found unsuitable will not be allowed to operate on Lagos roads.
He further decried the growing safety concerns for motorists and the poor service delivery by some operators, stressing that the State Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, and will not tolerate practices that endanger Lagosians.
In addition, the Commissioner raised concerns over the lack of robust databases among many e-hailing platforms, making it difficult to track discrepancies and criminal activities perpetrated through their services. He warned that the Ministry will not hesitate to enforce sanctions where necessary.
Speaking on the same issue, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, emphasized that the use of vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government will no longer be tolerated. He noted that such practices hinder effective tracking and pose significant security risks. According to him, the Ministry will strictly enforce penalties for any infractions.
He explained that the digital system developed by the Ministry requires up-to-date data to enable effective regulation of the transportation sector. He added that all drivers must be duly registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), urging operators to comply or risk suspension of their licenses.
The transportation Permanent Secretary further urged Lagosians to stop booking e-hailing rides offline to avoid bypass of the safety features and accountability mechanisms built into the apps. In response, representatives of licensed e-hailing platforms shared updates on recent upgrades aimed at improving safety and accountability. These include enhanced driver verification systems, mandatory license checks, panic buttons, and improved onboarding/offboarding procedures.
The Commissioner concluded the meeting with a call to action, urging all e-hailing operators to conduct their businesses with empathy, prioritizing public safety and customer satisfaction over profit-making. He also reminded them to settle all outstanding licensing documentation and resolve all necessary regulatory requirements. Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv.
