Lagos orders mandatory vehicle inspection for all e-hailing operators
The Lagos State Government has issued a directive mandating all e-hailing operators to present their vehicles for compulsory inspection, in a renewed push to improve safety standards, service quality, and regulatory compliance across the industry.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the policy during an engagement session with e-hailing companies in Ikeja, expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of some vehicles operating under licensed platforms.
He warned that any car found to be unfit would be immediately removed from service.
According to Osiyemi, the state has observed an increase in safety risks and a decline in service delivery by certain operators. He stressed that the government would not compromise on measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property, adding that non-compliance would attract sanctions.
The commissioner also criticised the inadequate data management systems of many e-hailing companies, noting that the absence of a reliable database hampers efforts to track irregularities and curb criminal activities.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, reinforced the government’s position, warning that unregistered vehicles would no longer be tolerated due to the security threats they pose. He emphasised the importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date information within the ministry’s digital system to ensure effective oversight.
Musa also urged all drivers to undergo registration and certification through the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, LASDRI, cautioning that persistent violations could lead to licence suspension. He also advised passengers to avoid booking rides outside official e-hailing apps to preserve safety measures and accountability features.
Representatives from licensed platforms, including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv, briefed the meeting on recent safety upgrades. These include enhanced driver verification, mandatory licence checks, the introduction of panic buttons, and more rigorous onboarding and off-boarding procedures.
Lagos orders mandatory vehicle inspection for all e-hailing operators
