Lagos Clarifies VIO Powers, Says Appeal Court Ruling In Abuja Not Applicable Nationwide

The Lagos State Government has clarified the legality of the operations of its Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officers, following widespread public reactions to a recent judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which barred Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, and shared on the ministry’s official social media platforms, the state government described viral claims suggesting that the judgement applies nationwide as misleading.

According to the statement, the appellate court merely affirmed an earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which held that Vehicle Inspection Officers in the FCT lacked statutory powers to stop vehicles, confiscate them, or impose fines on motorists.

“The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a viral report of misrepresentation of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja on the illegality of VIO activities in the FCT,” the ministry said.

It explained that both courts based their decisions strictly on the absence of enabling laws granting such powers to VIO officials operating in FCT.

While acknowledging the authority of the judgement, the Lagos State Government stressed that it did not invalidate enforcement actions in states where VIS operations are backed by law.

“The judgement though binding is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the ministry noted, adding that Nigeria’s federal system permits states to legislate on residual matters such as traffic management and vehicle inspection.

The government emphasised that VIS operations in Lagos were governed by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which expressly establishes and empowers the service to operate across the state.

It cited provisions of the law which mandate the VIS to inspect and regulate vehicle roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue roadworthiness certificates, and collaborate with other agencies in enforcing traffic regulations.

The ministry further clarified that fines imposed on offenders follow due process, with penalties determined by mobile courts or magistrate courts, and are subject to judicial oversight.

“The process and procedure of enforcement of power of the VIS officers on Lagos roads are in accordance with the law and not unlawful or unconstitutional,” the statement said.

Motorists were urged not to rely on what the government described as misinterpretations of the Abuja judgment and to cooperate with authorised VIS officers while using Lagos roads.

The ministry also warned that any act of obstruction or assault against VIS personnel in the course of their duties would attract arrest and prosecution.

The clarification comes amid sustained public debate triggered by the court rulings in Abuja, which restrained the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and VIO officials in the FCT from impounding vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.