Police Commands in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna States have begun the enforcement of third party insurance compliance in order to ensure accountability and the protection of road users.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE reports however, that this has caused many motorists to stay indoors this making most of the streets to be empty.
Akwa Ibom state Commissioner of Police Baba Azare, led the monitoring team around Uyo metropolis and Ikot Ekpene during the monitoring on Saturday.
Azare said the implementation was in compliance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Act.
The commissioner said “it is a legal requirement for all vehicle owners to possess valid third party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.”
He said the exercise was ‘’designed to protect road users, ensure accountability and promote compliance with traffic laws.’’
Azare said those who had not complied with the act had their vehicles impounded and taken to police station, adding that until they complied, their vehicles would not be released to them, adding that those who refused to comply would be prosecuted.
According to the Kaduna police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the enforcement was in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun.
He said, “The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Rabiu Muhammad, has ordered full enforcement of the mandatory Third-Party Insurance Policy for motor vehicles from today, Feb. 1, 2025.
“This initiative aligns with existing laws and regulations governing safety for road users and vehicle insurance in Nigeria,” he said.
Hassan warned that defaulters will face appropriate penalties as stipulated by the law,” he said.
