Government Moves to Enforce Safety Standards, Database Integrity, and Vehicle Roadworthiness in Lagos
The Lagos State Government is set to introduce a robust vehicle inspection schedule for all e-hailing operators in the State, as part of sweeping measures to improve safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance within the fast-growing ride-hailing industry.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during a stakeholder engagement session with licensed e-hailing operators at the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr. Osiyemi revealed that recent assessments by the Ministry had uncovered alarming deficiencies in the condition of some vehicles operating under major e-hailing platforms, describing the state of certain cars as “deplorable” and unfit for public service. He announced that a comprehensive audit will be conducted to assess the roadworthiness of all vehicles in operation.
“Any vehicle found unsuitable after inspection will be barred from operating on Lagos roads,” he declared.
The Commissioner expressed concern over rising safety issues, citing complaints from commuters regarding poor service delivery and unregulated driver conduct. He stressed that the State Government’s priority is to protect lives, safeguard property, and maintain public confidence in the transport sector.
In addition to vehicle standards, the Commissioner raised alarm over the inadequacy of comprehensive, verifiable databases among many e-hailing companies, warning that such gaps hinder law enforcement and enable criminal exploitation of ride-hailing services. He cautioned operators that the Ministry will impose strict sanctions on platforms that fail to maintain accurate, accessible records.
Echoing the Commissioner’s stance, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, reiterated that vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government will no longer be tolerated on the road network. He noted that unregistered vehicles not only impede effective tracking but also heighten security risks in a megacity like Lagos.
Mr. Musa explained that the Ministry’s digital regulatory system relies on up-to-date data for oversight, adding that all e-hailing drivers must be registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI). Non-compliance, he warned, will lead to suspension or revocation of operational licenses.
He further advised Lagosians to avoid booking rides offline — outside of official e-hailing apps — as this bypasses critical in-app safety and accountability features such as trip tracking, driver verification, and emergency response tools.
In response, representatives from major licensed platforms, including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv, briefed the Ministry on new safety enhancements they have introduced. These include improved driver verification processes, periodic license and background checks, installation of in-app panic buttons, and stricter onboarding and offboarding protocols.
Concluding the meeting, Commissioner Osiyemi urged operators to conduct their business with empathy and responsibility, placing public safety and customer satisfaction above profit motives. He also directed all platforms to regularize outstanding documentation and fulfill all regulatory obligations without delay.
With the rollout of the inspection schedule expected soon, the Lagos State Government says it is determined to ensure that technology-driven mobility services in the State meet global safety standards while preserving the trust of millions of daily users.
