- FCT VIO Ban Does Not Apply In Lagos – State Govt
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Appeal Court ruling applies only to FCT Abuja.
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Motorists urged to cooperate or face prosecution.
The Lagos State Government has said Vehicle Inspection Service officers remain legally empowered to operate across the state, distancing itself from a recent Court of Appeal judgment that barred Vehicle Inspection Officers in the Federal Capital Territory from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles or imposing fines.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said viral claims suggesting the ruling applies nationwide were misleading. He explained that the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was limited strictly to the Federal Capital Territory.
“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 of impounding or confiscating vehicles and/or imposing fines on motorists in FCT Abuja,” the statement read.
The ministry noted that both courts based their decisions on the absence of statutory powers authorising enforcement by VIO officials in the FCT.
“It is important to understand that the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on the absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja.”
While acknowledging the judgment as binding, the state government maintained it does not have nationwide effect.
“The Judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the ministry stated, adding that under Nigeria’s federal structure, states retain powers over residual matters such as vehicle inspection and traffic management.
The government stressed that VIS operations in Lagos are backed by law under the state’s transport reform framework. It said officers are authorised to inspect vehicle roadworthiness, conduct pre registration checks, issue roadworthiness certificates and enforce traffic regulations in collaboration with other agencies.
According to the ministry, penalties imposed on offenders are subject to judicial oversight through mobile or magistrate courts.
“The fine shall be paid either on the spot if it is imposed by a mobile court or within forty-eight hours upon issuance of the ticket by an authorised officer. On default of payment a formal charge shall be proffered against the offender,” the statement explained.
It insisted that enforcement procedures are lawful and constitutional.
“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.”
Motorists were urged to disregard what the government described as misrepresentations of the Abuja judgment and cooperate with VIS officers to avoid sanctions. The state also warned that anyone who obstructs or assaults enforcement personnel would be arrested and prosecuted.
The clarification followed public debate after the appellate court restrained the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and VIO officials in the FCT from impounding vehicles or imposing fines.
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