Uber has enjoyed a good ride in Lagos, but it may be set for a few bumps.

During its two years in operation, the ride-hailing app has, Uber says, “facilitated” over a million trips. After its first 16 months, Ebi Atawodi, general manager of Uber Nigeria, claimed the service grew 30% faster in Lagos than it did in its first 16 months in London. Despite the rise of competitors, Uber has remained popular with many Nigerians. But a recent regulation drive by the state government in Lagos could throw a spanner in its wheels.

The state government has reiterated its intent to regulate taxi operations using a franchise system. It enshrined this in a law back in 2012, and adopted the corresponding regulation at the start of this year, but up until now there’s been no attempt to enforce it.

Under this model, taxi operators must register with the state and get a franchise license. Franchises can include up to 50 cars at a cost of 100,000 naira (about $320) per car. That’s a problem for Uber, which depends on private cars signing up to work with its service and doesn’t require them to register with the state.

The state’s newfound enthusiasm for its own regulations is likely to mean a crackdown on Uber drivers. They’re usually easy to spot since they tend to drive newer cars and to carry GPS devices, a rarity in Lagos. Already, there are reports of frequent stops by law enforcement officers. An Uber spokesperson told Quartz the company is “actively working with the regulators” to shape its future in Nigeria. But in the short term its service could be disrupted.

While the state claims its new regulations are meant to increase the safety and security of passengers, they could just be a way for it to make some extra revenue. Lagos’s stance is in contrast to the position of federal lawmakers, who earlier this year, passed a resolution to integrate ride-sharing into national transport policies. Though non-binding, the resolution is a “first step towards legislation” which could compel states across the country to embrace ride-sharing policies.

By Quartz Africa

http://autojosh.com/lagos-to-impose-new-taxi-rules-to-clamp-down-on-services-like-uber/

Hmmm... How e consign me? Afterall, na still danfo n keke I dey use cruise my area. #TeamDanfo

Modified

Today again I'm FTC, there's this feeling to it!

This LAND is dedicated to all the guys and ladies hustling one way or the other to make ends meet. Never give up! We sha will get there someday!





Yea, I just hope I'll be paid for being FTC

Any new innovation that threatens the status quo is always resisted.

APC government and taxes are like bread and butter.

Uber is the proverbial cat with nine lives! They have survived in the US and many western countries despite the fierce attack from the statuesque because of their tenacity and the company is very good at arm twisting.

Previously, Newark NJ ban Uber from the Newark International Airport, NJ USA which is a lucrative hop for passengers. In fact Uber drivers were arrested and some posted their horrible experience on YouTube, not long after the local Taxi Union celebrated a new milestone, the signing of a deal in the city that meant a death nail to Uber. Then the State sponsored a bill to ensure the burial will be a foregone conclusion.

Then Uber spring into action, sensing the big money to be made...they started paying the fines of any Uber driver that got a ticket, just send them the picture of the ticket and the prove that you have paid it and viola you got your money back!

They then brought in some mouth watering deal that the city can just resist and viola! Newark International Airport is a second parking lot for Uber drivers waiting to pick passengers.

As for that state law? Well, it has been drastically watered down. Now some in the local taxi union sensing the loosing battle have upgraded the look of their taxi and have signed up with Uber and now carrying GPS and working for Uber...intact, most TLC cab drivers in New York City are Uber drivers as well.

Über has perfected this strategy and rolls it out in any city with potentials to make them money. Bottomline, these laws will not make Uber to leave as long as there is money to be made, if anything they will affect the local cab services that does not have the financial might of an international company first, before they start affecting Uber.

Secondly, the demography that used Uber in Nigeria are influential after all if one can choose to pay N3,500 for a trip that would have cost just N150, they are not push overs. Lagos, just need money, and Uber will give them a deal that they will not refuse, my fears is...the local cab company which this new law is purported to help...will not be fully represented at the meeting, when that deal is made.

naw

How would you recognize an Uber ride. Abeg this law cannot work

Uber can never be banned in this Lagos. I will flog ambode

Kolewek......

Itesiwaju Eko lan fe.

Somebody should summarise please

Team Molue where are you. click like for team molue and BRT

OK

"While the state claims its new regulations are meant to increase the safety and security of passengers, they could just be a way for it to make some extra revenue".....Safety fire! Lagos State government is always on the look out for revenue!

steppin:
APC government and taxes are like bread and butter.

Dem no get another hand work.. dats wat dey know how to do best

Haters and wicked government, they do have anything good to offer. Only for Nigerians to suffer. May thunder Fire all APC B**tards in Power from the Top to the local government.

how will dis law work wen private car owners r involved

Uber will comply. It is a legal organisation.

Nay big man go dey under

GenBuhari:
uber ends

Don't be too sure. This is Naija

Not so sure about this one. Why not encourage people and have proper structures in place to provide opportunity instead of removing food from people's tables?

I do hope the taxi would not be using billing meter ooo , Lagos traffic na be here oooo

[size=18pt]UBER EVERYWHERE[/size]

OP how much Uber paying you for advert on this thread?

GenBuhari:
Uber ends

I support the Lagos govt.

Uber breaks regulations and avoids paying taxes all over the world and makes its money by exploiting and under paying its drivers.

Uber has no future because its business model of exploiting its drivers who happen to be the backbone of its business is flawed and this would be their down fall.

I give Uber maximum 3 years before it implodes and disappears.

Good to see you are back to speaking with the wisdom I knew you for .. You have said it all ..the only country that has anything to gain from uber is the Americans