Lagos State Mandates Vehicle Inspections for E-Hailing Operators to Boost Safety and Compliance

The Lagos State Government has mandated that all licensed e-hailing operators, including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, and InDrive, ensure their drivers’ vehicles undergo mandatory inspections as part of an audit to enhance safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance.

Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced this directive via his official X account on August 10, 2025, after a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Transportation in Alausa, Ikeja. He cited the poor condition of some vehicles on licensed platforms as the reason for the audit, stating that unfit vehicles will be barred from Lagos roads.

Osiyemi also noted safety risks, substandard service, and weak data management systems among some operators, which hinder tracking of irregularities and criminal activities. Non-compliant operators face sanctions, including fines or license suspension.

Only vehicles registered with the Lagos State Government and driven by LASDRI-certified drivers will be permitted to operate. Residents were urged to book rides through official apps for traceability and access to safety features like real-time monitoring and emergency response.

At the meeting, representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv outlined safety upgrades, including enhanced driver verification, mandatory license checks, in-app panic buttons, and stricter onboarding processes.

Operators must complete licensing documentation and comply with regulations by September 30, 2025, or risk license suspension. Designated inspection centers will be established to streamline the audit process.

This initiative underscores Lagos State’s commitment to a safer, more reliable e-hailing ecosystem, aligning with its broader transportation reform agenda.