The Lagos State Government has directed all e-hailing operators to present their vehicles for compulsory inspection to enhance safety, service quality and regulatory compliance in the transport sector.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated this in a press release issued on Sunday in Lagos. He said the ministry had observed that some vehicles operating under e-hailing platforms were in poor condition, necessitating a comprehensive audit.

“Any vehicle found unfit will not be allowed to operate on Lagos roads,” Osiyemi warned.

He raised concerns over passenger safety and poor service standards from some operators, adding that the state would not tolerate practices that endanger lives.

Osiyemi also criticised the lack of comprehensive databases among many e-hailing companies, which makes it difficult to track criminal activities linked to their services.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, emphasised that all drivers must be registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute. He warned that non-compliance could lead to licence suspension.

Musa noted that unregistered vehicles hinder tracking efforts and pose serious security risks, stressing that penalties would be strictly enforced.

The ministry’s digital regulation system, he said, requires accurate and up-to-date data to function effectively. He also cautioned residents against booking rides offline to avoid bypassing safety features and accountability mechanisms built into the apps.