The Lagos State Government has directed all licensed e-hailing operators to conduct immediate inspections of vehicles on their platforms, as part of measures to boost safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance in the transport sector.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, issued the directive during a stakeholders’ engagement with e-hailing companies in Alausa, Ikeja, citing concerns over the “deplorable state” of some vehicles in operation. He warned that any vehicle deemed unfit would be barred from Lagos roads.
Osiyemi also flagged inadequate safety protocols and the absence of a centralized database among operators, which hampers the tracking of infractions and criminal activities. He urged companies to prioritize commuter safety over profit and clear all outstanding licensing documentation.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, stressed that only vehicles registered with the Lagos State Government and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) would be allowed to operate, warning that non-compliant operators risk license suspension.
Residents were advised to avoid offline ride bookings to maintain safety and accountability.
Representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, InDrive, Laurie, Vas Acquico, Folti Tech, and EDryv outlined recent platform upgrades, including enhanced driver verification, license checks, in-app panic buttons, and improved onboarding processes.
The state reaffirmed its readiness to enforce compliance and sanction defaulting operators.
