Police Begin Third Party Motor Insurance Enforcement In Akwa Ibom, Kaduna

The police have commenced enforcement of third party motor insurance in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states.

Most of the major roads in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have been deserted following the enforcement scheme of which commenced on Saturday.

Though its enforcement as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun had stirred controversy and generated mixed reactions, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had carried out engagements with stakeholders including the media, labour leaders and members of the national union of road transport workers as part of the sensitization campaign.

Some groups had requested the commencement of the enforcement date scheduled to commence February 1 to 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, Commissioner of Police, Mr Baba Mohammed 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 . Third party insurance is a requirement of the law. You must have all your documents to ply Nigerian roads. “

He however directed motorists “to obtain their third-party insurance papers to avoid the impoundment of their vehicles,” adding that the enforcement exercise has commenced and is currently ongoing.

Azare explained that the enforcement of the directive by the IGP became necessary to ensure that motor vehicles were roadworthy and in line with the laws of the country.

The commissioner of police who led the enforcement team to monitor the compliance said the exercise would continue until motorists complied adding that those without third party insurance would have their vehicles impounded.

Similarly, in Kaduna, a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan in Kaduna on Saturday, said the enforcement is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has given a directive for a full enforcement of the mandatory Third-Party Insurance Policy for motor vehicles from today, February 1, 2025,” Hassan said.

He explained that the enforcement aimed to ensure compliance with the compulsory insurance policy, which provides protection for road users against liabilities arising from accidents involving insured vehicles.

The police spokesperson emphasized that the enforcement is necessary to ensure the safety of road users and to reduce the risk of accidents.

“The Kaduna State Police Command urges all vehicle owners and motorists to ensure they possess valid Third-Party Insurance coverage as soon as possible. Defaulters will face appropriate penalties as stipulated by law.

“We want to ensure that all vehicle owners and motorists are protected in case of any accident. The Third-Party Insurance Policy is mandatory, and we will ensure that everyone complies with it.”

The Kaduna State Police Command has advised vehicle owners and motorists to obtain valid Third-Party Insurance coverage from accredited insurance companies to avoid facing penalties.

Police Begin Third Party Motor Insurance Enforcement In Akwa Ibom, Kaduna is first published on The Whistler Newspaper