Lagos Reverses Service Charge On E-hailing Operators

Lagos State Government on Friday gave e-hailing drivers 90 days to regularise their documents.

The government also reversed the plan to impose 10 per cent service charge on every trip through e-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt.

It also moved implementation date of the levies on the operators by a week to August 27, 2020.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Frederick Oladeinde, said the state government has reached an agreement with operators to charge N20 per trip instead of 20 per cent of the charges for each trip.

He stated the N20 per trip charges would be housed under the Road Improvement Fund.

The Commissioner said the understanding was arrived at after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along some executive council members, held a meeting with e-hailing operators at Lagos House, Marina.

Also Read: Three Convicted For Hijacking Vessel  

Oladeinde revealed other agreements reached include 20 per cent reduction in the operating and renewal license fees aside drivers completing their documentation within the next 90 days.

He explained that the documents the drivers should acquire include the Lagos State Registration Agency card and drivers’ license, among other documents.

According to the Commissoner, drivers who failed to comply would be banned from operating among other penalties.

He further said a one-stop shop had been created to ensure that the drivers get all the required documents easily.

Oladeinde revealed it was also agreed that the operators should take comprehensive insurance for each vehicle while the driver takes a third party insurance.

He also said the operators had been told to do a background check on each driver, which the state government hopes would promote safety.

The Commissioner said the operators were also mandated to provide data about each trip made on their platforms every week, stating that the data would help government to plan better on areas it should deploy resources.

Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotosho said there was no strain in relations between the State Government and the operators.

He said steps taken by the State Government were aimed at providing a good environment for businesses to thrive aside promoting safety and security of residents and commuters.

The President of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association, Idris Shonuga, implored e-hailing drivers to comply with the directives.

He applauded the state government for helping to resolves all the grey areas.