The Lagos State Taxi Drivers and Cab Operators Association (LSTDCOA) has called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to do everything within his capacity to ensure that Lagos Taxis do not go into extinction by giving undue advantage to the unregistered cabs otherwise known as Kabukabu, because they are security risks to the state.
LSTDCOA said it is prepared to embrace the new Lagos Taxi E-haling ride but wants the state government to assist members on the equity contribution.
In a statement signed by its President, Omolekan Taiwo, LSTDCOA appealed to the governor and his cabinet to come to its rescue because most of its vehicles are old and they need replacement.
He said in some countries like the U.K and others, their governments do bail out their transport sector, with some states in Nigeria doing the same, such as Borno State that gave the Taxi Drivers 50 per cent discount recently.
“Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Raji Fashola has done it for the association before and we did not disappoint him through Union Bank and First Bank to the tune of N1 billion, we, therefore, call on the present government to come to our aid also.
“Our Yellow taxis are reliable and security conscious. We have our Association sticker on our bonafide members’ windscreen and they have their I.D cards with them which is traceable in the database of the association.”
He listed some of the stumbling blocks set against its operations in the state to include restrictions in entering housing estates, which was not so before, restrictions from entering higher Institutions in Lagos State, such as the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and others, as well as restrictions from entering hotels.
“Yellow Taxis are targets of vehicle inspection officials, LASTMA, Lagos State Task Force officials and other law enforcement agencies, even though yellow taxis obtain nine particulars; Body Tag and Drivers Badge, Vehicle document i.e Vehicle License, Hackney permit, Roadworthiness, Insurance, Driving License and LASDRI. Yet they are the targets of law enforcement agents.”
Despite the problems, he said the association has been able to have its own E-Hailing Apps called ‘Baba Dey Online’ by Univasa which can be accessed on the Google Playstore Application on the Internet with a telephone number 07000633423.
He said it should be noted rather that most yellow taxi drivers are not criminals, but honest members of the society, who are legitimately out to do their business in accordance with stipulated laws and regulations.
