Lagos Govt Commends Uber’s Emergency In-trip Support App

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Lagos State has commended the in-trip emergency app support feature introduced by Uber for drivers and riders within the e-hailing sector.

This is as the firm noted that innovation within Nigeria’s e-hailing sector has continued to drive their investment in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Uber’s new safety features in Lagos, the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola noted that the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu would continue to create an enabling environment for the e-hailing sector to thrive in line with the THEMES agenda.

“With the Uber launch of emergency on-trip assistance and audio recording in Nigeria, we believe safety culture among the citizenry will improve. We like to commend them for setting the pace and we know they will continue to break the barrier in terms of security and convenience which we know is inline with THEMES agenda, “he said.

Speaking, Country Manager for Uber in Nigeria, Tope Akinwumi emphasised that safety is a core priority for their business, adding that they have invested heavily in technology and other measures to help keep drivers and riders safe on the platform.

He said, “Riders and drivers can access the Safety Toolkit by tapping the shield icon on their app’s map screen. After tapping the Emergency Assistance feature, you will see your GPS location, car make and model, and licence plate.

“If you tap the “Call Security” button and connect to a private emergency services and security responder, those trip details become available to them digitally and can be used to respond to an emergency. After your contact with the emergency services, Uber’s customer support team will check in to see if you’re alright.”

He intimated that Uber would soon launch audio recording which allows riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in the case of a safety incident.

“Uber believes the new audio recording feature will improve the overall quality of evidence collected on the safety incidents that are reported by both riders and drivers.  This means that both riders and drivers will have the ability to record the trip and submit their recordings alongside the safety tickets they’ll submit. By logging a safety incident along with a recording, the rider or driver gives Uber permission to access the file for investigation purposes, ”he said.