The Lagos State Government says a recent court judgment that limits the powers of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officials applies only to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and not to states with their own traffic laws.
The clarification followed public confusion after the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a ruling that barred VIO officers in the FCT from stopping vehicles, impounding cars or imposing fines on motorists.
That judgment came from a fundamental rights case that said there was no law in the FCT empowering VIO to enforce such actions.
In a statement on Sunday, Lagos State’s Ministry of Justice said reports suggesting the ruling was nationwide were misleading.
“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 … which affirmed the judgment … on the illegality of VIO activities … in FCT Abuja,” the ministry said.
The government explained that the appeal court based its decision on the absence of statutory powers for VIO to enforce traffic laws in Abuja.
“It is important to understand that the … decision … was premised on the absence of statutory power … to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja.”
Lagos stressed that the appeal court judgment “is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria.”
The statement noted that under Nigeria’s federal system, states can create their own traffic enforcement laws.
Lagos said its Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) is established under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which gives officers powers to inspect vehicles, issue roadworthiness certificates and enforce traffic regulations.
The ministry warned motorists not to rely on misrepresentations of the Abuja judgment and urged cooperation with VIS officers.
It also said anyone who obstructs or assaults VIS personnel could face arrest and prosecution.
