The Police Commands in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States have begun enforcing the third-party motor vehicle insurance policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this move is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G),Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

NAN also reports that the move is in accordance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Motor Vehicle Third-Party Insurance Act.

The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has deployed its personnel across the state to enforce the third party insurance to the motorists.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the enforcement began on February 1.

Hassan said the enforcement of the policy was a directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

“In compliance with the directive the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, has given directive for a full enforcement of the mandatory 3rd Party Insurance Policy for motor vehicles.

“The enforcement aims to ensure compliance with the compulsory insurance policy, which provides protection for road users against liabilities arising from accidents involving insured vehicles, “he said

Hassan said that vehicle owners and motorists found guilty would be charged to Court for prosecution.

He also urged all vehicle owners and motorists to go and obtain a valid third party insurance coverage as soon as possible.

“Defaulters will face appropriate penalties as stipulated by law, ” Hassan said.

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Mr Timothy Baba, a legal practitioner based in Kaduna, said that the third-party vehicle insurance is an essential policy for vehicle owners in Nigeria.

According to him, it offers a cost-effective solution to meet legal requirements and guard against liability.

Baba, however, noted that the limited coverage makes it less comprehensive for those who want more robust protection for their own vehicles and passengers.

He said that the policy was ideal for budget-conscious drivers, adding, “but those seeking more extensive coverage may need to consider a more comprehensive insurance policy.”

In Kano State, motorists have raised concerns over the enforcement and limited benefits of third-party insurance policies, calling for urgent reforms to address their grievances.

Some of the commercial motorists who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano expressed dissatisfaction with the compulsory nature of third-party insurance, arguing that the premiums were too high.

A motorist, Ali Musa, said that while third-party insurance was essential for protecting other road users, the lack of comprehensive coverage was a major drawback for those who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation.

“We’re forced to pay for something we don’t benefit from.

“The claims process is also slow, and sometimes the compensation offered doesn’t even cover the damages,” he decried.
Abubakar Sani, a commercial bus driver, said that third-party insurance plays a vital role in ensuring that road users were financially protected in the event of accidents

According to him, this is especially more plausible in a country with endless traffic congestions and accidents.

He expressed concerns over the challenges posed by the mandatory third-party insurance requirement.

Sani argued that the policy being enforced by the police was placing an undue financial burden on drivers in the country.

He, therefore, called for a review of the policy to reflect their economic realities.

Alhassan Aminu, a private car owner, explained that the third-party insurance, which is mandatory for all vehicle owners in Nigeria, only covers damages to third parties, including injuries and property damage.

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According to him, it does not cover the insured motorist’s own vehicle or property.

He called for a reduction in the insurance premiums to make it more affordable for drivers.

“The government must consider the current economic challenges we face, especially with the rising fuel prices,” he appealed.

NAN reports that Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo, had met with transport stakeholders to discuss the ongoing enforcement of third-party motor insurance for motor vehicles.

The commissioner had met with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and the Chairman of Kano Line Motor Park.

The commissioner commended the stakeholders for their cooperation and appreciated the high level of compliance among motor vehicle owners in the state.

He said that over 85 per cent of motor vehicle owners had possessed the required third-party motor insurance document from the first day of enforcement

Dogo said that the command would continue to enforce the third-party motor insurance requirement, in line with the directives of the I-G.

The commissioner called on the stakeholders to sensitise their members to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police station.

In the meantime, the Police Command in Katsina State said that its operatives have begun the enforcement of the policy across the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.

He said the enforcement was in line with the directive of Egbetokun that all motor vehicles plying the roads must be insured.

This, Aliyu said, was in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Act 2003, which mandated all motor vehicle owners to have at least a third-party insurance cover.

He, therefore, called on the motorists to ensure that their vehicles were insured to avoid the penalty.

Aliyu said: We have impounded vehicles without the third party insurance, but right now, I cannot tell you the number of vehicles impounded because I don’t have the statistics.

“Quite a number of motorists have it, only few ones don’t have it. They are the ones we are impounding.

“We release the vehicles after the owners obtained the third party insurance.”

He said that the CP had met with the transport unions on the issue and pledged to sensitise their members on the need to have it before their vehicles were impounded.

NAN reports that the police are enforcing the order by mounting checkpoints in some places particularly in Katsina metropolis.

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Mr Emeka Victor, a motorist, said that he has never heard of the enforcement issue, and has not come across any police officer that requested it from him.

“I have everything required regarding my vehicle particulars, including the third-party vehicle insurance.

“So, I don’t have any case regarding the insurance,” he said.

Another motorist, Malam Kabiru Malumfashi, also said that he was not aware of the enforcement issue.

He said: “I believe that is because there was no awareness campaign regarding the enforcement, many people may not be aware of the issue.

“With this lack of awareness campaign, many motorists may not know about it, and many may be arrested or punished.”

On her part, Hajiya Zainab Abubakar, said that she has not been using her vehicle for long, because of the high fuel cost.

She said that a lot of motorists have parked their vehicles due to the high cost of petrol, stressing the need for the police to intensify efforts in enlightening the public on the matter.

“I believe a lot of people especially those who stopped using their vehicles will not know what is going on.

“There is the urgent need for the police and other stakeholders to sensitise the motorists through the media on the third-party insurance and its importance,” Abubakar said