With barely a week after the ban of Gokada and commercial motorcycles in Lagos, Lagos govt has introduced operational permits for taxi-hailing companies.
News coming out of Lagos is that the government is implementing the laws for the drivers. The penalty means getting your car impounded. The task force has already begun to arrest drivers from these ride-hailing companies.
According to a report online, one of the operational permits requirement is that the car-hailing drivers have certification from Lagos Drivers institute (LASDRI) before they can operate in the state.
What Does Operational Permits Means?
This certificate is mandatory for all the drivers and will be renewed once every year. Mr. Phillip Ogunlade, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), defined ‘professional drivers.’ He said they are all those who earn a living as a driver, either in the public and private sectors.
Furthermore, an officer of the Lagos Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS) informed the news outlets that Uber, is yet to get an operator license from state government-Which the company is aware of.
It can be recalled that Lagos has been trying to clamp down on ride-hailing platforms in the state. In 2016, the LASU, under the Road Traffic Regulations on taxis operation, said that every taxi-hailing platform in the country must all have licenses. However Uber, denied the insinuations, saying that its services are cab hire and not taxis, which LASU sought to regulate.
Breaking news out of Lagos is that it has started the implementation of the restrictions of ride-hailing platforms after the ban on bike-hailing startups.
According to Efosa Aiyevbomwan, head of communications, Uber West Africa, Uber is currently working with the government to resolve the issue.
“Uber continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders in Lagos to ensure that our operations align with best practices locally and internationally.” Efosa Aiyevbomwan.
With this recent development, it remains to be seen if commercial drivers, corporate, danfo drivers will be part of these restrictions. Meanwhile, its yet another setback for the average commuters, who will likely pay more to get to his or her destinations.
