Lagos State to Commence Registration of Taxis and Taxi Operators

In an effort to tighten security in Lagos State, the governor, Babatunde Fashola has flagged off a new security system for taxis in the state. According to the state governor, who spoke at the Blue Roof event centre of the Lagos State Television, the system – which will have all taxis and taxi operators in the state registered and monitored – is a step forward in the improvement of public safety. 12,617 drivers and 10,882 vehicles will be part of the total data bank of taxi registry. “Across many parts of the world today, one of the safest places citizens and residents can be is in the taxis that operate in their city. The reason for this is simple. Those who run the taxi system are not anonymous, they are all known. From small companies to individual owners, everybody is registered. With the recent global and national security challenges, our state refuses to lag behind,” Mr. Fashola said. He added that “This new system has many advantages. One is security, which I have dwelt on. The other is economic sustainability. What this means is that transport, which is sometimes a last resort for many in difficult times, can now be a family business that can be passed from generation to generation because it is now organised, regulated and modern. “The licence will be attached to the licence holder, instead of the vehicle, which is perishable. So even if the vehicle is stolen, destroyed or put out of service, the licence is still registered and open to searches. “The licence can be sold, used to borrow money as collateral and it will appreciate with time in value, just as land and shares do. Holders can also pass it on to their children.” “Another benefit is consumer protection, in terms of insurance for their safety in taxis,” the governor said.