Nationwide enforcement of 3rd party insurance begins

• Move aimed at sanitizing Nigerian roads – IGP
• CP FCT warns officers against extortion
• Enforce law, don’t extort the masses – Experts

Nigeria’s roads are set to be more regulated as the police launch nationwide enforcement of third-party motor insurance.

In a bid to curb the menace of uninsured vehicles and ensure that victims of accidents receive adequate compensation, the Nigeria Police Force commenced a nationwide crackdown on defaulting motorists today.

The enforcement exercise is kicking off simultaneously across the country. Motorists without valid third-party insurance have been advised to comply or face the consequences.

Lagos, Kogi, Delta, FCT, Edo, and several other states commenced the enforcement on Saturday, January 1.

Reacting to the IGP’s order on full-fledged enforcement, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the mandatory minimum third-party motor vehicle insurance from February 1, 2025.

The Command’s CP has also warned officers against extorting motorists to enforce third-party insurance.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, noted that vehicle owners in the FCT are required to possess a valid third-party insurance policy before operating on public roads.

She noted that those without any form of insurance are advised to get insured immediately to avoid penalties.

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She said, “Third-party insurance is a mandatory policy designed to protect road users from financial losses due to accidents. It covers damages caused to another person’s vehicle, property, or bodily injury resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle.

“This policy ensures that accident victims receive necessary compensation while reducing the financial burden on vehicle owners.

“The FCT Police Command warns that non-compliance with this legal requirement will attract strict enforcement measures. The enforcement is part of efforts to ensure adherence to road safety regulations and protect all road users.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has directed officers assigned to carry out the enforcement to be professional, courteous, and firm in the discharge of their duties. He also emphasized that no form of harassment or extortion of motorists would be tolerated.

“The general public is urged to cooperate with the police as this enforcement exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all road users in the FCT.

“For inquiries or reports of suspicious activities, residents can contact the FCT Police Command.”

Lagos State Police Command has also embarked on enforcing third-party motor vehicle insurance with effect from February 1, 2025.

The police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, hinted that vehicle owners in Lagos State are required to possess a minimum of valid third-party insurance. Those without any form of insurance are advised to get insured immediately.

According to Hundeyin, the Nigeria Police Force cautions vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation, failure of which will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, or both.
“This initiative aims to ensure vehicle owners comply with stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and other road users,” he added.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, has charged officers on this enforcement exercise to be professional, and courteous, but firm in the discharge of their duties. He equally warned that no form of incivility towards members of the public would be tolerated from them.

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“The public is enjoined to cooperate with the police as this crucial enforcement exercise is a win-win situation for all.”
Contrary to insinuations that the police have now turned themselves into tax collectors, the Force Headquarters over the weekend clarified that it is not the issuing authority for third-party insurance.

It maintained that it was only enforcing the law and would not make a dime from enforcing the policy.

The FHQ noted that its attention was drawn to misinformation and misleading comments credited to some social media influencers and activists antagonizing the police on the issuance and enforcement of the third-party insurance policy, where the NPF has been accused of using the policy to rake in money.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to emphasize that it does not issue third-party insurance, as misconstrued by some individuals. The responsibility for obtaining this mandatory insurance lies with vehicle owners through their respective insurance companies.

“The Force has commenced the enforcement operations of the insurance policy with effect from today, February 1, 2025, aiming to enhance road safety and protect the rights of accident victims,” he added.

“In light of this enforcement, the Force cautions social media influencers and activists against spreading misinformation regarding insurance policies, as the police are solely responsible for enforcement, not the issuance of the insurance cover.

“The dissemination of accurate information is vital to prevent misleading the public, while misconceptions can eventually lead to non-compliance and potential legal repercussions for motorists.”

There were also speculations that the police’s decision on strict enforcement could have arisen from the existence of the Nigeria Police Force Insurance Company Limited, which can equally issue third-party motor insurance. All these were dismissed by the Force Headquarters.

The Inspector-General of Police’s decision to enforce the third-party law was triggered by the visit of the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and his team soliciting police assistance.

The Commission, led by Mr. Olusegun, was accompanied by Dr. Usman Jankara, Deputy Commissioner (Technical); Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Administration); Dr. Talmiz Usman, Director (Legal, Enforcement, and Market Development); Mr. Ajibola Bankole, Director (Inspectorate); Mr. Taiwo Babatola Adeoye, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Insurance; and other members of NAICOM.

He had solicited the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.

He had also requested the Nigeria Police Force’s support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.

In his remarks during the visit, the IGP affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.

Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads. Violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.

Some Nigerians are not impressed with the new development. They anticipate that it is another guise by police operatives to extort unsuspecting motorists.

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According to a civil engineer who demanded anonymity, “No doubt, it is another opportunity for policemen to extort and embarrass Nigerians on the roads. I learned the penalty is N250,000. God knows who will be collecting the money and if receipts will be issued. May God help us all.”

Security expert Mr. Chukwukasi Oji blamed the government for multiple taxation on citizens.

He said, “Nigerians are tired of this administration. The government is confused. The government is looking for many ways—no matter how much it suffers the masses—to make money. The police are not sanitizing any road but are looking for money and have unleashed many of its agencies on the masses.

“However, the police will leave the primary aim of the government and begin to extort motorists. Now that the IGP has directed his men and officers to go out and make money, they will start serious extortion, and lives will be lost due to this singular directive.

“This is giving the police authority to extort the public. The police are already extorting motorists with the tinted glass permit, ECMR, and now another source of extortion has been added. Let the IGP know that motorists are tired of too many extortions.”