The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja concerning the powers of traffic enforcement officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not affect Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operations on Lagos roads.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the government said the reports circulating online had misrepresented the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which upheld a Federal High Court decision declaring that VIOs in FCT Abuja lack the authority to stop, impound, or fine motorists.
“The Honourable Judge of the FHC and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on the absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja,” the Ministry explained.
The Ministry stressed that while the Abuja judgments are binding, they apply only to the parties involved and states without VIO legislation.
On Lagos State’s position, the statement noted: “Lagos State operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which explicitly empowers VIS officers to inspect vehicles, issue Road Worthiness Certificates, regulate road safety, and cooperate with other agencies to enforce traffic rules.”
Regarding fines, the Ministry added: “Section 23(1) of the law prescribes that fines may be paid on the spot if imposed by a mobile court or within 48 hours upon issuance of the ticket by an authorised officer. On default of payment, a formal charge shall be proffered in the Magistrate or Mobile Court, and the offender shall be allowed to defend himself or herself. The suspect is also free to challenge the validity of the ticket in a court of law.”
The statement further advised Lagos motorists: “The process and procedure of the enforcement of the power of the VIS officers on Lagos roads are in accordance with the law and not unlawful or unconstitutional. Members of the public are therefore advised not to be misled by the misrepresentation of the judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal and to cooperate with Lagos State VIS officers on Lagos roads to avoid sanctions with its attendant consequences.”
Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to lawful traffic enforcement, saying: “All transport and traffic enforcement activities on Lagos roads will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Laws and Regulations, with civility, decorum and respect to road users. Any motorist who disobeys or assaults a VIS officer in Lagos State in the course of performance of his statutory duty will be subject to arrest and prosecution by this Ministry.”
