The Lagos State Government has issued a clarification regarding its recently established data-sharing agreement with e-hailing services operating within the state, aiming to enhance safety and security measures.
The statement comes in response to misinformation following the government’s announcement of intended sanctions against Uber for alleged non-compliance.
In a statement released on Sunday, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that all e-hailing platforms operating in the state, except Uber, had independently signed the data-sharing agreement with the government. The agreement focuses on improving security and safety within the e-hailing sector.
Osiyemi highlighted the integration of Application Programming Interface (API) in the agreement, aimed at verifying drivers and passengers, and ensuring compliance with background checks, vehicle inspections, and licensing requirements.
This integration seeks to minimize the risk of unauthorized or unqualified individuals operating as drivers, thereby enhancing the overall safety and trustworthiness of e-hailing platforms.
The Commissioner further noted that the introduction of real-time tracking through API integration would enable prompt emergency response, providing an additional layer of protection to users in Lagos State. He emphasized Lagos State’s role as a pacesetter in Nigeria, showcasing API integration as a global best practice.
Expressing gratitude to compliant e-hailing companies, the Lagos State Government urged Uber, the only company not in full compliance, to seek resolution within the established regulatory framework promptly. Non-compliance, the statement warned, would lead to stringent sanctions in line with state laws and regulations, enacted in the interest of all stakeholders.
The announcement follows the government’s earlier intention to sanction Uber Technologies System Nigeria Ltd. for non-compliance with the data-sharing agreement, citing safety concerns. Commissioner Osiyemi expressed disappointment with Uber’s defiance of regulations and advised users to exercise caution as the sanction would impact operations.
Commissioner Osiyemi urged Uber to seek prompt resolution within the regulatory framework, cautioning users about potential operational impacts due to the impending sanction.
