The Lagos State Government has announced a new regulation requiring all ride-hailing vehicles operating within the state to display QR codes and driver identification tags, a move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, improving accountability, and streamlining regulation of the ride-hailing sector. The policy, which takes effect early next year, applies to both local and international ride-hailing operators, including popular services like Bolt, Uber, and local platforms.
Under the new rules, QR codes must be prominently displayed inside vehicles, allowing passengers to scan and verify driver credentials, trip details, and registration with the Lagos State Transport Authority (LASTMA). Additionally, drivers are required to carry visible identification tags, including their name, photograph, and ride-hailing company affiliation. The government says these measures will reduce cases of fraud, harassment, and other safety incidents reported by commuters in recent years.
The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to digitize and modernize Lagos’ transport system. By linking QR codes to a centralized database, authorities can quickly trace vehicles in the event of accidents, complaints, or regulatory violations. For passengers, the system provides a reliable way to confirm driver authenticity before starting a ride.
Ride-hailing companies have been given a transition period to comply with the new regulation and are expected to integrate QR code generation and driver tagging into their apps and operational workflows. Enforcement will include fines for non-compliant drivers and potential suspension of operators who fail to adhere to the standards.
Commuters and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the move, noting that enhanced safety measures are long overdue in a city where millions rely on ride-hailing services daily. While the policy adds a layer of compliance for operators, it signals Lagos’ commitment to protecting passengers while ensuring that the ride-hailing sector remains accountable and professional.
This initiative positions Lagos as one of the first African cities to introduce such a comprehensive digital safety framework for ride-hailing, setting a potential benchmark for other urban centers across the continent.
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