The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a vehicle inspection schedule for all e-hailing operators as part of efforts to remove unsafe and unsuitable cars from the roads.Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, revealed this during a meeting with e-hailing platforms at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja. He said all operators must ensure their drivers present vehicles for inspection to improve safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance.
Osiyemi noted the poor condition of some vehicles used by drivers on licensed e-hailing platforms in the state, prompting the need for a comprehensive audit. Any vehicle deemed unfit will be barred from operating. He also expressed concern over growing safety risks and substandard service from some operators, stressing that the government would not allow practices that put lives and property at risk. The Commissioner further criticised the absence of comprehensive databases among several e-hailing companies, which hampers efforts to trace criminal activities or resolve discrepancies. He warned that sanctions would be imposed where necessary.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, added that the use of vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government would no longer be tolerated, as it hinders tracking and poses security risks. He said all drivers must be registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) and urged operators to comply or face license suspension.
Musa explained that the Ministry’s digital regulatory system relies on accurate, up-to-date data to function effectively. He also advised Lagos residents to avoid booking rides offline to prevent bypassing safety features and accountability systems within the apps. Representatives of licensed e-hailing platforms outlined recent safety and accountability upgrades, including improved driver verification, mandatory license checks, panic buttons, and better onboarding procedures.
Osiyemi closed the meeting by urging operators to prioritise public safety and customer satisfaction over profit, settle outstanding licensing requirements, and fully comply with regulations. The meeting was attended by representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
