Police Begin Enforcement of Third-Party Vehicle Insurance, Defaulters Face ₦250,000 Fine
The police in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Edo states have initiated the enforcement of mandatory third-party motor vehicle insurance starting February 1, 2025, in compliance with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
In a statement, Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, emphasized that all vehicle owners in Lagos must have a valid third-party insurance policy. He urged those without any form of insurance to secure coverage immediately and warned that non-compliance with this regulation would result in strict enforcement measures, including fines and penalties.
“This initiative is to ensure that vehicle owners adhere to the insurance requirements, thereby safeguarding both themselves and other road users,” Hundeyin said.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olanrewaju Ishola, instructed officers involved in the enforcement to remain professional, courteous, and firm in carrying out their duties. He also made it clear that any form of misconduct towards the public would not be tolerated.
In Akwa Ibom, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare led a monitoring team through Uyo metropolis and Ikot Ekpene on Saturday. Azare explained that the enforcement aligns with Section 68 of the Insurance Act, which mandates that all vehicle owners have valid third-party insurance before using their vehicles on public roads. He stated that vehicles without the required insurance would be impounded, and owners who fail to comply will face legal action.
“So far, we’ve seen good compliance in the state,” Azare said. “Those who are not compliant will have their vehicles seized and will only get them back once they’ve shown proof of insurance. If they still refuse, prosecution will follow.”
Azare confirmed that the enforcement would continue until full compliance is achieved across the state. However, the exact number of vehicles impounded has not been compiled as the exercise is ongoing in all 31 Local Government Areas.
In Edo State, Moses Yamu, Police Public Relations Officer, shared a statement from Commissioner Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, urging vehicle owners to ensure their third-party insurance is up to date. He also warned that those who fail to do so would face penalties.
The nationwide enforcement of the regulation is grounded in Section 68 of the Insurance Act of 2003, which stipulates that no person shall operate a vehicle on public roads without a minimum of ₦1 million liability coverage for third-party damages. Violators can face fines of up to ₦250,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, upon conviction.
