Lagos Orders Dispatch Riders to Wear Reflective Jackets for Night Deliveries

The Lagos State Government has issued a new directive requiring all courier and dispatch riders operating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to wear reflective jackets and ensure their motorcycles or bicycles are fitted with reflective tapes for improved visibility.

The announcement was made on Sunday via the official X (Twitter) page of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, as part of efforts to enhance road safety and reduce night-time accidents involving delivery riders.

According to the statement, delivered by Mr. Oluwatobi Idowu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education and Innovation, and signed on behalf of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, all operators must comply to avoid sanctions from agencies such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).

“The compulsory use of reflective jackets and visibility tapes is aimed at ensuring dispatch riders remain clearly visible on the road, especially during evening and night-time hours,” the ministry said.

Delivery Companies Ordered to Enforce Compliance

The government has directed courier and logistics companies to educate their riders and enforce strict adherence. Failure to comply could attract penalties, including fines and possible seizure of motorcycles.

Already, delivery giant Glovo Nigeria has pledged to distribute 3,000 reflective vests to its riders as part of compliance efforts.

Why the New Policy Matters

The directive comes amid rising safety concerns, with many accidents involving dispatch riders occurring at night due to poor visibility.

• Dispatch riders in Lagos can earn up to ?25,000 daily, largely from food delivery, parcels, and e-commerce orders.
• Evening and night-time hours often see the highest demand, exposing riders to greater risks from traffic congestion and limited emergency response.
• By mandating reflective jackets and tapes, the government aims to reduce accidents, safeguard riders, and make Lagos’s delivery ecosystem more reliable and sustainable.

Bigger Picture

With the growing demand for fast delivery services in Lagos, the safety of dispatch riders has become a priority. The new enforcement is expected to not only protect lives but also improve the confidence of customers and operators in the logistics sector.

The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that the rules will be strictly enforced and urged riders to cooperate fully.