The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has said the enforcement of sanctions against erring e-hailing taxi operators that are yet to integrate the data sharing agreement is in the best interest of all stakeholders.
It frowned at the misinformation on various Social Media channels on the data-sharing agreement between the government and the e-hailing platforms operating in the State.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement issued late yesterday, said all the enforcement carried out last week against one of such offenders, Uber-operators was a measure of last resort to drive home the point that the government meant business in enforcing all its laws.
He stated that all e-hailing companies operating in the state agreed to the importance of the data sharing venture to security and safety, and each company has independently signed an agreement, fully committing to its implementation.
He therefore urged all e-hailing platforms that are yet to integrate the API into their system, especially Uber, to promptly do so as the government will not hesitate to slam stringent sanctions on them in strict accordance with the State’s laws and regulations.
Osiyemi said the API integration was instituted to establish a reliable driver and passenger verification platform which will enable the government ensure that the e-hailing services comply with necessary background checks, vehicle inspections, and driver licensing compliance.
“This will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised or unqualified individuals operating as drivers, enhancing the overall safety and trust of the e-hailing platforms.
“By prioritizing the safety and security of drivers and passengers, this collaboration will play a vital role in transforming Lagos into a city with a more reliable and trusted transportation network,” the commissioner stated in a statement.
According to him, APIs are not new, and there should be no fear about real-time tracking of users, considering the existing practices of digital platforms such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, and even Netflix. With their tracking practices, these social media channels already track users’ real-time locations through their various services, enabling them to push location-specific content to users.
Therefore, the introduction of an API with e-hailing services for real-time tracking in Lagos should be seen as a positive step towards ensuring the safety and security of drivers and passengers.
The API will also enable the government to react promptly in emergencies, providing an additional layer of protection to users of this service.
It is apposite to state that notable countries and states in America, Asia, and Europe have adopted API integration in view of its vital role in enabling real-time data sharing, monitoring, and accountability during active trips.
Accordingly, the promptness of Lagos State in aligning with the API in accordance with international best practices should be applauded as it emphasises the State’s special status as a pacesetter in Nigeria, of which the API integration is a shining example.
“We express our gratitude to all e-hailing companies that have voluntarily adhered to the data-sharing agreement. We also take this opportunity to call on Uber, the only company yet to fully comply, to promptly seek resolution within the established regulatory framework.”
It is imperative to state that non-compliance will lead to stringent sanctions in strict accordance with State laws and regulations. We emphasize that the decision to enforce sanctions is a measure of last resort, undertaken in the best interest of all stakeholders.
