The Lagos State Government has clarified that the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, restricting the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), does not invalidate the operations of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
In a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Ministry of Justice said its attention had been drawn to viral reports misrepresenting the Court of Appeal’s judgment as having nationwide effect.
The appellate court had affirmed an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which held that certain officials in the FCT — including the Director of Road Transport and other respondents — lacked statutory authority to stop, impound, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists.
The court subsequently restrained VIO officials in the FCT from carrying out such enforcement actions.
However, the Lagos State Government emphasised that the ruling was premised on the absence of enabling statutory provisions in the FCT and does not apply across Nigeria.
According to the statement, the judgment is binding only on the parties to the suit and on jurisdictions without specific legislation empowering vehicle inspection authorities.
“Nigeria operates a federal system of government with clearly defined legislative powers for both federal and state governments,” the Attorney-General stated, noting that vehicle inspection and traffic management fall within residual matters under state jurisdiction.
Unlike the FCT, Lagos State has an established legal framework governing VIS operations under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law.
Section 12(1) of the law empowers the State Vehicle Inspection Service to inspect and regulate vehicle roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue Road Worthiness Certificates, and collaborate with other agencies in enforcing traffic regulations.
Furthermore, Section 23(1) provides for fines to be paid either through a mobile court or within 48 hours upon issuance of a ticket by an authorised officer.
Defaulters may be charged before a Magistrate or Mobile Court, with the right to challenge the ticket in court.
The government stressed that enforcement procedures carried out by VIS officers in Lagos are lawful, constitutional, and strictly guided by statutory provisions.
Members of the public were advised not to be misled by misinterpretations of the Abuja court ruling and to cooperate with VIS officials to avoid sanctions.
The Ministry assured residents that traffic enforcement activities in Lagos would continue to be conducted with civility, decorum, and respect for road users.
It added that any motorist who obstructs or assaults a VIS officer in the lawful discharge of duties would be liable to arrest and prosecution.
Leave a comment