Lagos State Government Moves Against E-Hailing Operators Citing Safety Risks

The Lagos State Government has intensified its regulatory oversight of e-hailing transportation companies, citing growing concerns over passenger safety and compliance with operational guidelines. Officials from the state’s Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) have commenced enforcement actions targeting operators allegedly flouting safety regulations, including requirements on driver verification, vehicle roadworthiness, and emergency response measures.

According to the state authorities, the move follows an increase in reported incidents involving e-hailing vehicles, ranging from accidents to security-related cases. The government expressed worry that while e-hailing services have significantly contributed to urban mobility in Lagos, lax compliance by some operators and drivers has created vulnerabilities that threaten passenger welfare.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that the enforcement drive is not aimed at stifling the industry but at ensuring that operators adhere to the standards necessary to safeguard lives and property. He noted that the regulations governing e-hailing operations were established after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including platform owners, drivers’ associations, and consumer advocacy groups. These rules, he said, outline safety protocols, driver conduct expectations, and mandatory insurance coverage for both drivers and passengers.

Osiyemi stressed that operators must ensure that all drivers undergo background checks, vehicle inspections, and regular training on safety and customer service. He also reiterated the government’s insistence that cars used for e-hailing must meet specific roadworthiness criteria, including functional safety equipment such as seat belts, airbags, and tracking devices.

Reports from the enforcement teams indicate that several vehicles were impounded during the initial phase of the crackdown for operating without updated safety certifications or failing to display mandatory identification. Some drivers were also sanctioned for using unregistered vehicles or operating outside approved service areas. Officials said these measures are necessary to curb the growing number of unverified and unsafe vehicles on Lagos roads.

Speaking on behalf of one of the major e-hailing platforms, a company representative acknowledged that safety is a shared responsibility between the government, operators, and drivers. He stated that while platforms invest in technology to enhance security—such as GPS tracking, SOS buttons, and driver/passenger identity verification—the challenge often lies in ensuring full compliance among independent drivers. The representative pledged the company’s cooperation with the state authorities to address any lapses and improve operational standards.

Some drivers, however, expressed concerns about the timing and intensity of the enforcement, arguing that the measures could temporarily affect their earnings, especially if their vehicles are taken off the road for minor infractions. They urged the government to balance enforcement with sensitisation programmes, giving operators and drivers reasonable time to meet any new requirements.

Transport analysts have noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, faces unique mobility challenges due to its high population density, traffic congestion, and reliance on both formal and informal transport systems. E-hailing services, introduced in the state less than a decade ago, have grown rapidly, offering convenience and flexible employment opportunities. However, the sector has also attracted scrutiny over safety, regulatory compliance, and fare pricing disputes.

The current crackdown forms part of a broader safety initiative by the state, which includes upgrading road infrastructure, improving traffic management, and enhancing public transport services. Authorities have also hinted at the introduction of stricter digital monitoring systems that will allow regulators to track e-hailing vehicles in real time and flag suspicious activities.

Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the government’s action, noting that while e-hailing has improved transportation access, safety lapses could undermine public trust in the service. They called for greater transparency from both regulators and operators, including public reports on safety audits and incident response measures.

The Lagos State Government has assured the public that the exercise will be sustained and refined to ensure fairness and efficiency. Osiyemi emphasised that the ultimate goal is to maintain a transportation ecosystem where innovation thrives without compromising passenger safety. He urged all stakeholders to see the enforcement as a necessary step towards building a safer and more reliable urban mobility system.

As the exercise continues, observers expect more collaboration between regulators and industry players to strike a balance between safety enforcement and operational flexibility. The outcome could set a precedent for how other Nigerian states approach the regulation of rapidly expanding e-hailing services.