The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to e-hailing companies and operators, citing increasing safety concerns and regulatory breaches.
The government has mandated immediate vehicle inspections and full compliance with state transportation laws.
According to a statement by Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted the deteriorating condition of some vehicles operating under e-hailing platforms.
“The ministry has observed the deplorable condition of some vehicles operated by drivers under licensed e-hailing platforms. Any vehicle found unsuitable will not be allowed to operate,” the statement read. Osiyemi emphasised that the directive is part of a broader audit to enhance service delivery, safety, and regulatory oversight in the growing e-hailing sector.
The commissioner expressed grave concern over rising incidents of poor service and criminal activities facilitated through these platforms, warning that operators who fail to comply risk sanctions, including possible license suspension.
A key issue raised was the lack of robust databases maintained by many e-hailing companies, which hampers efforts to track and investigate incidents.
“The state government is committed to safeguarding lives and property. We will not tolerate practices that endanger Lagosians,” Osiyemi said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, emphasised that vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government will no longer be allowed to operate on e-hailing platforms, as they pose tracking and security risks.
“We have developed a digital system that requires up-to-date data to regulate the sector. All drivers must be duly registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute,” Musa said, adding that penalties for infractions will be strictly enforced. The ministry advised commuters to avoid booking rides offline, as such transactions bypass built-in safety features and accountability measures on official apps.
In response to the government’s concerns, representatives from licensed platforms, including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, InDrive, and others, outlined new safety upgrades, including enhanced driver verification, panic buttons, license validation, and improved onboarding and offboarding protocols.
Osiyemi concluded the meeting with a call for empathy-driven service, urging operators to prioritize customer safety and satisfaction over profits.
“Operators must settle all outstanding licensing documentation and fulfill regulatory obligations without delay,” he said. The Lagos State Government’s crackdown on e-hailing firms aims to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, protecting the lives and property of Lagosians.
