Police begin enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance | Defaulters may pay N250,000 fine

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has commenced the enforcement of the third-party vehicle insurance policy across different states.

In a statement on Saturday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson in Lagos, said the initiative will ensure vehicle owners and road users are safeguarded.

Hundeyin said the enforcement, which began on Saturday in Lagos, follows the directive by Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, to ensure that motorists obtain a valid third-party insurance.

“Vehicle owners in the state are required to have, at a minimum, valid third-party insurance. Those without any form of insurance are advised to obtain one immediately,” the statement reads.

He urged motorists to comply with the regulation, saying defaulters would be penalised.

The police spokesperson called on officers involved in the enforcement to exercise high professionalism while carrying out their duties.

“The Nigeria Police Force warns vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation,” Hundeyin said.

“Failure to comply will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, or both.

“This initiative aims to ensure vehicle owners adhere to stipulated insurance requirements, safeguarding themselves and other road users.”

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

Section 68 of the Insurance Act of 2003 states that: “(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.”