Lagos Clarifies VIO Powers, States Abuja Appeal Court Ruling Not Nationwide

Lagos State government has stated that the recent Court of Appeal decision in Abuja on the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not affect the operations of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) on local roads.

In a statement signed by the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), the government expressed concern over what it called a misrepresentation of the appellate court’s ruling.

The Abuja Court of Appeal upheld a Federal High Court decision declaring certain VIO enforcement actions in the FCT illegal.

Pedro stressed that in 2025, Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled in a fundamental rights case that the respondents, including the Director of Road Transport, the Team Leader of Area Command Jabi, and the FCT Minister, lacked legal authority to stop, impound, or seize vehicles or levy fines on motorists within the FCT.

The appellate court supported this ruling.

He clarified that the rulings were based on the lack of statutory authority for VIOs in the FCT. However, they emphasised that such judgments are specific to their jurisdiction and do not apply nationwide.

“While legally binding on the involved parties and jurisdictions without specific statutes, the ruling does not affect states like Lagos that have statutory frameworks for vehicle inspection,” the AG said.

Pedro maintained that under Nigeria’s federal system, traffic management and vehicle inspection are residual powers for state governments, noting that Lagos State, unlike the FCT, has a detailed legal framework governing VIS, outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law.

“Section 12(1) authorised VIS officers to inspect vehicles, check roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue Roadworthiness Certificates, and cooperate with other agencies on traffic enforcement.

“Section 23(1) details procedures for imposing fines, which can be paid immediately through mobile courts or within 48 hours of issuing a ticket. Failure to comply may lead to formal charges before a Magistrate or Mobile Court, and motorists have the right to challenge fines in court,” he stated.

The Commissioner further stated that VIS operations in Lagos fully adhere to state law and are lawful and constitutional.

“Motorists were advised to cooperate with VIS officers to avoid penalties and warned that attacking or obstructing officers during their duties will result in arrest and prosecution.

“The Lagos State government remains dedicated to ensuring that traffic enforcement is done professionally, respectfully, and courteously toward road users,” Pedro added.