The Nigerian police have started enforcing the Third-Party Vehicle Insurance Policy for vehicle owners in Rivers and Osun states, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Grace Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police and the River State Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed this in an interview in Port Harcourt on Monday. She explained that the enforcement began on February 1, as per instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which were given to police commands across the country.
According to Iringe-Koko, Olugbenga Adepoju, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, has already instructed officers to uphold the highest levels of professionalism and integrity during the enforcement. She added that the commissioner also warned against any misconduct by officers, warning that severe penalties would be imposed on those who do not follow these directives. “Therefore, vehicle owners are advised to obtain their Third-Party Insurance cover without delay,” she said.
The enforcement team will include Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs), members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and officials from the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue.
Similarly, Yemisi Opalola, a chief superintendent of police, and the Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, also commented on the enforcement.
According to Opalola, the directive aims to ensure adherence to the provisions of Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act. She said Muhammed Abba, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, has emphasized the command’s commitment to protecting road users from risks associated with motor accidents.
“Vehicle owners in Osun are urged to verify their insurance certificates’ authenticity and validity, as non-compliance will result in sanctions.
“Vehicle insurance enforcement teams will consist of personnel from the Police Command in Osun, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Osun State Internal Revenue Service,” she said.
The spokesperson also advised vehicle owners to contact the Osun Command’s Public Relations Officer for additional inquiries or clarification.
