The Lagos State Government has directed all e-hailing operators to present their vehicles for mandatory inspection, warning that any unfit vehicle will be barred from operating on the state’s roads.
“We have observed the deplorable condition of some vehicles operated under licensed e-hailing platforms in Lagos, which has made a comprehensive audit of all vehicles necessary. Any vehicle found unsuitable will not be allowed to operate on Lagos roads,” the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said during a meeting with operators at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja.
His remarks were disclosed on Sunday in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola.
Osiyemi stressed that the move was aimed at improving safety standards, service quality, and regulatory compliance in the sector.
He decried growing safety concerns for motorists and poor service delivery by some operators, adding, “The state government is committed to safeguarding lives and property and will not tolerate practices that endanger Lagosians.”
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The commissioner also raised concerns over the absence of robust databases among some e-hailing platforms, which, he said, made it difficult to track discrepancies and criminal activities.
“The Ministry will not hesitate to enforce sanctions where necessary,” he warned.
In the statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, underscored the need for all vehicles to be duly registered with the state government, warning that unregistered vehicles posed security risks and hindered effective tracking.
“The Ministry will strictly enforce penalties for any infractions,” he said, noting that all drivers must be registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) to operate legally.
Musa advised Lagosians against booking rides offline to avoid bypassing the safety features and accountability systems built into e-hailing apps.
He explained that the Ministry’s digital regulatory system relied on up-to-date data to ensure effective oversight of the transport sector.
In response, representatives of licensed e-hailing platforms shared updates on safety upgrades, including enhanced driver verification systems, mandatory licence checks, panic buttons, and improved onboarding and offboarding procedures.
The Commissioner urged operators to “conduct business with empathy, prioritising public safety and customer satisfaction over profit-making,” and called on them to settle outstanding licensing documentation without delay.
Source: Channels TV
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