Lagos State Orders Mandatory Inspection of E-Hailing Vehicles to Boost Safety and Service Standards
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Lagos State Government has directed all e-hailing operators to present their vehicles for mandatory inspection in a sweeping move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, improving service quality, and enforcing regulatory compliance in the state’s fast-growing transportation sector.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the government expressed concern over the poor condition of some vehicles currently licensed to operate under e-hailing platforms within Lagos. According to Osiyemi, recent inspections revealed alarming lapses in vehicle maintenance, prompting the decision to conduct a comprehensive audit of all cars operating under ride-hailing services.

“This has necessitated a comprehensive audit of all vehicles to be used,” Osiyemi said, warning that any vehicle found unsuitable will be barred from operating on Lagos roads. He further emphasised that safety concerns for both motorists and passengers have been on the rise, coupled with declining service standards from some operators.

Highlighting another challenge, Osiyemi noted that many e-hailing platforms in the state lack robust databases, making it difficult to track discrepancies and investigate criminal activities linked to their services. “The ministry will not hesitate to enforce sanctions where necessary,” he cautioned.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa, also underscored the importance of compliance, stressing that all e-hailing drivers must be duly registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute. He warned that failure to meet these requirements could lead to the suspension of operating licences.

Musa explained that unregistered vehicles and uncertified drivers pose serious security risks, as they hinder effective tracking in cases of disputes or criminal incidents. He assured that the ministry will strictly enforce penalties for any infractions, adding that the state has developed a digital regulatory system that depends on up-to-date data for effective oversight.

He also advised Lagos residents to avoid booking rides offline, noting that bypassing official e-hailing apps strips away the safety features and accountability systems designed to protect passengers.

With this latest directive, the Lagos State Government is signalling a tougher stance on transport safety, making it clear that only compliant, roadworthy vehicles will be allowed to operate on its roads — a move that could reshape the operational landscape for e-hailing businesses in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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