By Chinenye Anuforo
Ride-hailing company, inDrive in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and Lagos Ministry of Transportation brought together key stakeholders to discuss and promote safety practices in the ride-hailing industry.
The event organised by inDrive in Lagos highlighted the importance of user education and leveraging technology to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system.
Senior Business Development Manager at inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, urged passengers to be vigilant and report any safety concerns. “The first thing you want to do when you have such a situation is to report it. Reporting incidents helps us address safety concerns effectively. Safety is a major concern for us. Our application prioritises user feedback and we understand the importance of educating users about available safety tools,” while the Director of Transport Operations at the Lagos Ministry of Transportation, Ojiowuro Olasunkanmi, emphasised the government’s commitment to improving road safety through infrastructure and technology. “Utilizing technology allows us to respond quickly to safety incidents and deploy appropriate resources,” he said.
A key highlight was the data-sharing agreement established between the Ministry and ride-hailing companies, enabling real-time trip data sharing for quicker emergency response.
The Chief Superintendent of Police, Funmilayo Omoseyin, reiterated the importance of responsible driving behavior. She stressed the need for proper training from accredited driving schools, valid driving licenses appropriate for the vehicle type, and adherence to traffic regulations. Omoseyin also highlighted the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration between ride-hailing companies, government agencies, and users to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system in Lagos.