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Defaulters may pay N250k fine as police begin enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Saturday began the enforcement of the Third-Party Insurance Policy across the country.

Police commissioners in several states including Lagos, Kogi and Akwa Ibom, told residents that they would commence enforcement in compliance with a directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The police chief had ordered that the enforcement should commence on 1 February.

Making this known in a statement, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that vehicle owners in Lagos State are required to possess a minimum of valid third-party insurance.

He advised those without any class of Insurance are advised to get insured immediately, while cautioning vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation.

According to Hundeyin, failure to comply with the regulation will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines, penalties or both.

“This initiative aims to ensure vehicle owners comply with stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and other road users,” he stated.

Akwa Ibom

In Akwa Ibom, Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, led the monitoring team around Uyo metropolis and Ikot Ekpene on Saturday.

Azare said the exercise complied with Section 68 of the Insurance Act.

The CP said that it is a legal requirement for all vehicle owners to possess valid third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.

He added that the exercise is designed to protect road users, ensure accountability, and promote compliance with traffic laws.

“Today, we are here to monitor the enforcement of the third-party insurance compliance in Akwa Ibom State.

“So far, so good, in all the areas we have visited, people are complying, those who have not complied, their vehicles will be impounded and taken to the police station, where they have to comply with the third-party insurance before release of their vehicles.“For those who will not comply accordingly, the process of prosecution will take place.

“So far, so good, there’s a high level of compliance in the state. This is attributed to the command’s sensitisation meetings with stakeholders. In Akwa Ibom State, we have seamless exercise,” Azare said.

Azare said that the enforcement will be a continuous exercise until everyone complies with the third-party insurance according to law.

The CP said that the command was yet to compile the total number of vehicles impounded, as the exercise is ongoing across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

Edo

Similarly, in Edo State, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, noted in a statement that the Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, urged vehicle owners in the state to ensure that they get the third-party insurance which insures one (third party) against damage to vehicles, property or bodily injuries that may arise from accident.

The Commissioner warned that anyone who fails to get his or her vehicle particulars, especially the third-party insurance updated, would face sanctions.

Kogi

In Kogi, the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, ordered strict adherence to the IGP’s directive across the state.

Mr Dantawaye, in a statement issued in Lokoja by the command’s spokesperson, Williams Ovye-Aya, said he was expecting full compliance from Kogi motorists.

The commissioner said that the enforcement, which began on Saturday, aimed to enhance road safety and ensure that all vehicle owners comply with insurance regulations.

“These regulations are designed to protect both motorists and other road users,” he said.

The commissioner urged the people of Kogi to cooperate with the police officers carrying out enforcement duties to avoid unnecessary challenges.

He warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract legal consequences.”

The commissioner advised all vehicle owners and road users in the state to obtain valid third-party insurance to avoid any inconveniences during enforcement.

He directed all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers to ensure full implementation of the directive while maintaining a high level of professionalism and adherence to standard procedures.

Other states like Bauchi and Kaduna, have also commenced the enforcement of the policy.

What you should know

The regulation is to be enforced nationwide.

According to Section 68 of the Insurance Act of 2003, “(1)No person shall use or cause or permit any other person to use a motor vehicle on a road unless a liability which he may thereby incur in respect of damage to the property of third parties is insured with an insurer registered under this Act.

“(2) The insurance taken out pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall cover liability of not less than N1 million.

“(3) The insurance under this section shall be in addition to the liabilities required to be insured under the Motor Vehicle (Third Party) Insurance Act, 1950, and shall be regulated mutatis mutandis by the provisions of the Act.

“(4) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N250,000 or imprisonment for one year or both.”

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