The Lagos State government yesterday began the issuance of licences to operators of taxis.
The licences, according to the government, are targeted at over 14,000 registered operators under the new transport policy.
The licence, besides conferring on operators the right to operate unhindered, could also be used to take loans from the bank.
The document, which is transferable and sellable, has a flat value of N100,000 but was issued free of charge.
Presenting the licences to operators in Ikeja, Governor Babatunde Fashola said the taxi licensing system was conceived out of the need to properly regulate the taxi business and attend to safety issues.
He explained that cases of criminals using taxis to perpetrate serious crimes were rampant and that the new licences would check the problem.
Fashola said the licences would also provide economic support to operators, as the document could be sold or used to obtain loans.
“We need to be clear why we are issuing these licences. Once you enter a taxi in developed countries, you are safe. The reason is simple. In all those places, those who run taxis are known people; they are professionals, they have identities, they cannot disappear.
“So if you are looking for a child and they say, he entered taxi A or B, they will find the child because they know the driver because they have the data of operators.
“So at this time of national and global security challenges, we cannot afford to be left behind. So we are issuing the licences not just for business, the most important part of it is safety”
“What this means is that if you enter a licensed taxi in the state, just know that you are safe and it also means patronising unregistered cabs means putting one’s safety in jeopardy “ he said.