Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have begun the clampdown on defaulting motorists in the third-party insurance regime.
Among those arrested during the enforcement of the policy by the commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, were the chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, whose vehicle was without the documents, and the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Hon Monday Eyo, whose vehicle was arrested and impounded.
The enforcement grounded activities in Uyo on Saturday as vehicle owners deserted major roads in the state capital.
Though the enforcement as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had stirred controversy and generated mixed reactions, our correspondent recall that the state Police Command had carried out engagements with stakeholders including the media, labour leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as part of the sensitisation campaign.
Some groups had requested that the enforcement date scheduled to commence February 1, 2025, be shifted to enable the police to carry out more enlightenment campaigns.
The chairman of the Akwa Ibom State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Sunny James, had requested during the stakeholders meeting convened by the command that the enforcement date be postponed “until sufficient enlightenment had been undertaken.”
Addressing reporters after monitoring the compliance, CP Azare said the exercise has been seamless, adding that motorists in the state have complied accordingly.
“We are here to monitor the enforcement of the third-party insurance directed by the IGP.
“In Akwa Ibom State, we have a seamless exercise. The third-party insurance is the requirement of the law. You must have all your documents to ply Nigerian roads,” he said.
He directed motorists “to obtain their third-party insurance papers to avoid the impoundment of their vehicles,” adding that the enforcement exercise has commenced and would continue until motorists complied.
Azare explained that the enforcement of the directive by the IGP became necessary to ensure that vehicles were road-worthy and in line with the laws of the country.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the Third-Party Vehicle Insurance Policy, effective February 1, 2025, in compliance with the directive of the IGP.
Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, urged all officers involved in the enforcement to uphold professionalism and integrity throughout the process.
He emphasised that this initiative is crucial for road safety and aligns with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1-3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act, which mandate that all vehicle owners must have at least Third-Party Insurance before operating on Nigerian roads.
Highlighting the importance of public trust in law enforcement, CP Muhammad warned that any misconduct by officers during the exercise would have serious consequences.
The State Police Command called on all vehicle owners to ensure their insurance documents are up to date, noting that compliance will contribute to a safer and more orderly road system.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil said on Saturday that the collaborative effort aims to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with insurance laws for the benefit of all road users in Bauchi State.
To facilitate the enforcement, according to him, a dedicated team comprising Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs), representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and officials from the Bauchi State Internal Revenue Service will oversee the process.
