When those who work the 9-5 jobs are told that government policies in Nigeria cripple the growth of businesses, they tend not to understand. Most times, you just have to own a business before you understand the implication of certain regulations.
When the Lagos State Government decided to ban Keke Napep, Okada, etc., it sounded like a joke to someone who had recently acquired a loan of over 2 million Naira to invest in Napep and Okada business. Though there are certain hinterlands excluded from the ban the reality is that the business is ten steps backward.
While this saga of Okada ban lasts, it was reported that Lagos States Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) were harassing Uber and Bolt drivers. The VIOs now suddenly expect every ehailing service provider such as Uber and Bolt to have an operating license.
More so, drivers are also expected to have LASDRI (Lagos State Drivers’ Institute) and Hackney Permit (a document that is required to drive freely on Lagos roads). These regulations are beginning to make drivers nervous, hence, being at home idle. However, the situation is not as bad as the drivers have painted it. To be on a safe side drivers should do the needful.
After a good feasibility study and consultation by Grassroots.ng, it is advisable for all drivers to visit the LASDRI office at Oshodi to get their ID cards. This will only cost N2000. It is also important to note that LASDRI has been in existence even before the advent of Uber and Bolt in Lagos.
Again, LASDRI has nothing to do with being a commercial or private vehicle driver. It’s for all drivers as far as you operate in Lagos. It’s really sad how uninformed drivers go about peddling unverified information. Its important as a driver to be certified within Lagos metropolis.
How to get your LASDRI
Visit Ecobank at same Oshodi, OshodiPay N2000
Get the teller to the LASDRI Office adjacent the Ecobank and in less than 3hrs you would be certified.
Once you have your LASDRI ID card along aide your usual documents you can hit the road. It is not as bad as most drivers have painted the situation.