The Delta State Police Command has announced it will begin enforcing the mandatory Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy. This action, scheduled to commence on February 1, 2025, aligns with directives from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and is in accordance with the Insurance Act (Section 68) and the Motor Vehicle Third-Party Insurance Act (Sections 1, 2 – 3).
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, emphasized that this enforcement aims to protect all road users by ensuring compliance with the law. The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Edafe Bright, issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner, outlining the reasons for this renewed focus.
The statement explained that Section 68 of the Insurance Act mandates all vehicle owners to have Third-Party Insurance before operating on Nigerian roads. This insurance protects vehicle owners financially if they are responsible for damages to another person’s vehicle.
According to the Command, observations from the Nigeria Insurance Associations revealed a concerning decrease in the number of insured vehicles across the state. To address this, the Delta State Police Command has formed an enforcement team to tackle the issue and prevent accident victims from missing compensation.
The aim is to ensure that road users who follow the law are protected. The CP urged Deltans to practice responsible driving and underscored that adhering to vehicle insurance laws is crucial for road safety. Driving without insurance is both illegal and irresponsible, placing both the uninsured driver and other road users at financial risk, the statement said.
The Command is reminding all drivers to verify their policies and ensure they are up to date before driving. Additionally, drivers are advised to always carry proof of valid Third-Party Insurance to avoid legal consequences, which could include vehicle seizure or impoundment and potential prosecution.
