Ride-hailing giant Uber has reached an agreement with the Lagos State Government to share trip data, following a period of tension that included impounding of drivers’ vehicles and threats of sanctions.
The crux of the issue was the type of data Uber would share. Riders were concerned that their personal information would be accessible to the government. However, Uber has assured users that only anonymised trip data will be provided. This data will include information about trip origins, destinations, and times, but will not include any details that could identify individual riders or drivers.
“We do not share any personally identifiable information of users,” Uber’s Nigeria Country Manager, Tope Akinwunmi, said in a statement.
The Lagos State Government says the data will be used for several purposes, including:
- Enhancing Security and Safety: By verifying drivers and passengers through background checks and vehicle inspections, the government hopes to reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals operating on the platform.
- Improving Emergency Response: Real-time data sharing will allow authorities to respond faster to emergencies involving Uber rides.
- Regulatory Compliance: The data will be used to ensure that ride-hailing companies are complying with Lagos state regulations.
The agreement includes two methods of data sharing:
- Daily Data Uploads: Currently, Uber is providing Lagos with daily data uploads via a secure folder solution.
- API Integration: Uber is working towards integrating its system with a government API (Application Programming Interface) that will allow for real-time data sharing.
This is a significant development for the ride-hailing industry in Lagos. While some riders may remain apprehensive about data sharing, Uber’s assurances and the focus on anonymised data should help alleviate concerns. The Lagos State Government believes this initiative will improve safety and security for all users.
