The Lagos State Government has issued a clarification regarding the recently established data-sharing agreement with e-hailing services operating within the state.
This follows the misinformation that has arisen since the government announced its intention to impose sanctions on Uber for allegedly failing to comply with the Initiative, according to Nairametrics.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that all ehailing platforms operating in the state except Uber have signed the data sharing agreement with the Government to improve security and safety of e-hailing services in the state.
Osiyemi explained that the integration of the API into the Data Sharing Agreement aims at establishing a reliable platform for the verification of drivers and passengers, ensuring compliance with background checks, vehicle inspections, and licensing requirements for ehailing services.
The Commissioner said, “This will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized or unqualified individuals operating as drivers, enhancing the overall safety and trustworthiness of the e-hailing platforms.”
In addition, the statement noted that the introduction of an API with e-hailing platforms for real-time tracking in Lagos State will enable the government to respond in real-time in emergencies, providing an additional layer of protection to users.
Osiyemi underlined the fact that many countries and states around the world have adopted API integration for real-time data sharing during travel, highlighting the rapid adoption of Lagos State as a leader in Nigeria, as an example of API integration as an exemplary practice.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Government expressed gratitude to all e-hailing companies for voluntarily adhering to the data-sharing agreement.
The Commission also called on Uber, the only company that is not fully in line with this requirement, to request a solution within the legal framework as soon as possible.
The statement explained that non-compliance would result in stringent sanctions by state laws and regulations, noting that this decision is a last resort, taken in the best interest of all stakeholders.
He urged Uber to promptly seek resolution within the regulatory framework, advising users to be cautious as the sanction would impact operations.
