In a decisive move to enhance road safety and protect dispatch riders, the Lagos State Government has directed all courier and delivery service providers to adopt compulsory use of reflective jackets and visibility tapes during evening and nighttime operations.
EpeInsights reports that the directive, issued by the Ministry of Transportation, mandates that all riders operating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. must wear reflective jackets, while motorcycles and bicycles used for deliveries must be fitted with reflective tapes or markers for clearer visibility on Lagos roads.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education and Innovation, Mr. Oluwatobi Idowu, on the directive of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, the measure is aimed at reducing the risks of accidents involving dispatch riders and safeguarding all road users.
The Ministry also tasked courier companies with the responsibility of sensitising their riders and ensuring strict compliance, warning that defaulters would face sanctions from enforcement agencies including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
In swift response to the directive, Glovo Nigeria, one of Lagos’ leading delivery service platforms, has pledged its full compliance with the new safety regulations.
In a letter signed by its General Manager, Mr. Lamide Akinola, the company commended the Lagos State Government for prioritising the safety of riders and other road users. Akinola further disclosed that Glovo is providing 3,000 reflective vests free of charge to its couriers within the next month.
“We fully support this initiative aimed at safeguarding both our riders and Lagos road users. Glovo is proud to lead by example and we encourage other delivery providers to do the same,” Akinola stated.
The Ministry of Transportation welcomed Glovo’s gesture, describing it as a demonstration of responsible corporate citizenship. It added that collaboration between government and industry players is crucial in building a safer, more accountable delivery ecosystem in Lagos.
With dispatch riders playing an increasingly vital role in the state’s logistics and e-commerce growth, the new safety measures signal a strong commitment to reducing risks, preventing avoidable accidents, and ensuring smoother delivery operations across the state.
