As part of the new regulations, Uber Nigeria has silently added hackney permits and Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) card on its platform as requirements, in a swift move to wave regulatory’s hammer, according to checks on its platform.
Checks by Business Insider SSA showed that the ride sharing company has added the two documents as part of requirements for drivers on its platform.
Efosa Aiyevbomwan, Uber's spokesperson, on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020, said the conversations with the government are ongoing. He declined to speak on the specifics of the conversation.
Lagos to slam N10 million licensing fee on Uber, Bolt (Taxify), and others
According to sources, the Lagos state government is proposing almost $28,000 (N10 million) licensing fees for the ride-hailing companies operating in the state.
A Guardian report said the proposed regulatory fees also include "N5 million annual renewal fee and a 10% cut from each driver's trip."
This excludes payment for other documentation, such as the contending Hackney Permits and Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) card.
Last month, Both Uber and Bolt told Business Insider SSA in separate emails that they are still discussing with the government on regulation.
They expressed commitment to work closely with the Lagos State government to ensure smooth operations in line with best practices.
In the wake of the proposed regulations and ongoing conversation, drivers on the Uber and Bolt services have also complained of clampdown from officials of the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO), requesting for various government’s permit documents.
