The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a major policy shift set to redefine vehicle ownership in Nigeria. In a statement released on the Nigeria Police Force’s official X handle, the IGP declared that the enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance compliance will begin nationwide on February 1st, 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting safety and accountability on Nigerian roads, will target vehicle owners who fail to meet the legal requirement of obtaining third-party insurance coverage.
The IGP emphasized that the enforcement drive is not a punitive measure but rather a proactive approach to ensure the protection of lives and property. “Third-party insurance is not just a legal obligation; it is a critical tool for providing compensation to victims of road accidents and fostering a culture of accountability among road users,” Egbetokun stated.
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other stakeholders, will roll out an integrated framework for seamless implementation. This will include roadside checks, digital verification mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the importance of third-party insurance compliance.
Vehicle owners are urged to take immediate steps to regularize their insurance documents to avoid the legal consequences of non-compliance, which include fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible prosecution. The IGP also assured the public that measures are in place to prevent extortion and abuse during the enforcement process.
This move has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some have lauded it as a much-needed intervention to restore sanity on the roads, others have expressed concerns about the potential for harassment by law enforcement officers. The IGP, however, has promised strict oversight to ensure professionalism and transparency throughout the enforcement phase.
With less than a month to the commencement of this initiative, the countdown has begun for vehicle owners to align with the law. This enforcement promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s road safety journey, reflecting the IGP’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s policing framework for a safer, more accountable society.
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