The Lagos State Government has announced an intensified regulatory clampdown on e-hailing operators, citing growing safety concerns, deteriorating vehicle conditions, and lapses in compliance with state transportation laws.
The move comes amid a series of public complaints about unsafe rides, poor service delivery, and incidents of criminal activity linked to ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, Lagride, InDrive, and others.
According to a statement issued by Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, directed all licensed e-hailing companies to ensure immediate vehicle inspections and full adherence to state safety and operational standards.
“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,” Osiyemi warned.
This inspection mandate is part of a broader compliance audit aimed at improving service quality, reducing safety risks, and ensuring e-hailing operations align with Lagos State’s transportation objectives.
Over the past year, Lagos authorities have documented an uptick in criminal incidents involving e-hailing drivers, including passenger harassment, theft, and unauthorized detours.
Investigations have been hindered by what officials describe as incomplete or outdated databases maintained by some e-hailing firms, making it difficult to trace offenders or verify driver identities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, stressed that unregistered vehicles and uncertified drivers will no longer be permitted on Lagos roads.
“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 stated, adding that strict penalties will be imposed for infractions.
He also warned that vehicles without valid Lagos registration present security and tracking challenges, posing a risk to both passengers and the wider public.
Ban on Offline Bookings and Strengthened Passenger Safety Measures
The government has advised commuters against booking rides offline, as such arrangements bypass in-app safety tools, panic buttons, trip-tracking features, and insurance coverage embedded in official platforms.
Industry sources reveal that Lagos authorities are particularly concerned about drivers who accept cash-based offline rides, as these transactions leave no digital trace, increasing the risk of crime and reducing accountability.
In response to the crackdown, representatives from major e-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, and InDrive, have pledged to introduce new safety upgrades, such as:
Panic buttons linked directly to emergency response units
Real-time license validation systems
Improved driver onboarding and disciplinary processes
The Lagos State Government’s measures against e-hailing companies are part of a larger urban mobility safety strategy that also targets unlicensed commercial transport operators, unsafe vehicles, and non-compliant fleet owners.
Officials say that the reforms are not meant to stifle innovation in the ride-hailing sector but to balance growth with safety and accountability.
“Operators must settle all outstanding licensing documentation and fulfill regulatory obligations without delay,” Commissioner Osiyemi emphasised, adding that customer safety must come before profit margins.
Analysts suggest that the crackdown could have short-term disruptions for passengers as non-compliant drivers are removed from platforms, potentially leading to longer wait times and fare increases.
However, industry experts believe the long-term effect could be positive, restoring public confidence in the sector, reducing safety incidents, and improving Lagos’ reputation as a safe hub for tech-enabled transport.
Transport economist Dr. Ayodele Akinwumi noted that Lagos, Africa’s largest ride-hailing market, cannot afford to allow safety concerns to erode trust.
“This is a fast-growing sector that contributes significantly to urban mobility. If the government enforces these measures fairly, it could lead to a more transparent, efficient, and safer ride-hailing ecosystem,” he said.
Globally, cities such as London, New York, and Nairobi have implemented similar safety compliance measures for ride-hailing platforms. In 2019, Transport for London temporarily revoked Uber’s license over safety lapses, forcing the company to introduce stricter safety features.
Lagos appears to be following the same regulatory trajectory, seeking to ensure that rapid technology adoption in urban transport does not compromise safety or public trust.
The Lagos Ministry of Transportation has given e-hailing operators a strict compliance deadline for vehicle inspection and documentation updates, warning that license suspensions and operational shutdowns await violators.
The ministry has also launched a dedicated e-hailing compliance monitoring unit to conduct surprise checks, audit operator databases, and investigate passenger complaints in real-time.