Lagos State Clarifies Legality of Vehicle Inspection Service After Court Ruling
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has issued a clarification regarding the recent Court of Appeal ruling on Vehicle Inspection Officers, stating that it does not impact the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Service in Lagos. This announcement comes in response to a landmark judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld a previous Federal High Court decision stripping Vehicle Inspection Officers of powers to stop or fine motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.
The appellate court reaffirmed that only a court of competent jurisdiction can impose sanctions on road users, ruling that certain FCT officials lack statutory authority for enforcement actions such as stopping, impounding, or fining vehicles. This ruling, however, is limited to the FCT and jurisdictions without enabling laws, according to the Lagos State Government.
State Legislative Powers and VIS Authority
In a statement, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government emphasized that vehicle inspection and traffic management fall under the legislative powers of state governments within Nigeria's federal system. The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law provides the legal backing for VIS operations in the state.
Specifically, Section 12(1) of the law empowers the Vehicle Inspection Service to conduct roadworthiness inspections and issue certificates, while Section 23(1) outlines provisions for fines and legal processes through mobile courts or magistrates. The ministry assured residents that VIS enforcement in Lagos remains lawful and urged motorists not to be misled by misinterpretations of the court ruling.
Background on Traffic Enforcement in Lagos
This clarification follows past incidents where the Lagos state government has taken strict measures against traffic offenders. In 2022, the government made headlines for auctioning vehicles forfeited by traffic violators, with an auction held in September 2023 at the task force yard in Ikeja. Photos from the event showed offenders breaking down in tears as their vehicles were sold off.
Additionally, the state government has announced plans to deploy new smart technology to catch road offenders and has introduced new fines for various traffic offences, including overspeeding. The Commissioner for Transport has identified specific roads where this technology will be initially implemented.
The ministry's statement aims to prevent confusion among residents and ensure compliance with state traffic laws, reinforcing that VIS activities in Lagos are fully supported by local legislation.
