- The Lagos State Government has confirmed that a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja does not apply to Lagos
- Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasised that the ruling restricts Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) operations only within the Federal Capital Territory
- Motorists are urged to continue respecting Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) regulations to avoid penalties
The Lagos State Government has clarified that the recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which restricts the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (also known as the Vehicle Inspection Office, or VIO) from seizing vehicles or issuing fines, does not extend to Lagos State.
Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, stated in a statement on Tuesday that the court's ruling only applies within Abuja and does not interfere with the VIO's operations in Lagos.
Commissioner clarifies that Abuja ruling does not affect Lagos VIO authority
He said, "This law outlines the responsibilities and powers of the VIO, along with a detailed schedule of fines for 52 specific traffic offences.
"Lagos motorists should continue to respect the VIO and remain law-abiding," Osiyemi stated, assuring that the Federal High Court’s ruling in Abuja does not impact Lagos State’s regulations.
Osiyemi explained that the decision was based on the specific legal landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which lacks any law that permits the VIO to undertake such enforcement measures.
Lagos motorists to respect VIO regulations despite court ruling
He mentioned that Lagos operates according to the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018), which authorises the VIO to implement traffic regulations, impound vehicles, and issue fines for violations.
"Motorists are urged to uphold the provisions of the TSRL and adhere to traffic rules to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.”
Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling restraining the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from impounding, confiscating, or imposing fines on motorists. This decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by human rights activist Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana's Chambers.
Court declares VIO lacks authority to stop or fine motorists
In delivering the judgment on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Honourable Justice N.E. Maha agreed with the applicant, stating that there is no legal authority enabling the VIO to stop, impound, or fine motorists.
The court declared that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, along with its associated entities under the control of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, lacks the statutory power to impound or confiscate vehicles or to impose fines on drivers.
CCTV, transport police, 5 other ways Lagos plans to transform its transport sector
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos State released its new transport policy.
Installation of CCTV cameras and introduction of transport police are among the steps outlined.