The Lagos State Government has stated that the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal concerning the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) does not nullify enforcement activities within Lagos.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, dismissed widespread claims that the appellate court’s decision has nationwide effect, describing such interpretations as misleading.
The clarification follows a judgment by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court restraining Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from stopping vehicles, impounding them, or imposing fines on motorists.
Pedro explained that both courts based their decisions on the lack of statutory authority empowering VIO officials in the FCT to carry out those enforcement measures.
“It is important to understand that the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on 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 statement read.
While acknowledging that the ruling is binding within the FCT, the Lagos State Government emphasized that it does not have general or nationwide application. According to the ministry, Nigeria’s federal structure allows states to legislate on residual matters such as vehicle inspection and traffic management.
The government noted that Lagos operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which expressly establishes and empowers the VIS. Citing Section 12(1) of the law, it stated that the VIS has authority to inspect vehicles for roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue Road Worthiness Certificates, and collaborate with relevant agencies to enforce traffic regulations.
It also referenced Section 23(1) of the law, outlining procedures for imposing fines on traffic offenders. The provision states that fines may be paid immediately if imposed by a mobile court, or within 48 hours of receiving a ticket from an authorised officer. Failure to comply would result in formal charges before a court.
“The fine shall be paid either on the spot if it is imposed by a mobile court or within forty-eight hours upon issuance of the ticket by an authorised officer. On default of payment, a formal charge shall be proffered against the offender,” Pedro said.
The ministry maintained that VIS enforcement procedures in Lagos are lawful and constitutionally backed.
“The process and procedure of enforcement of power of the VIS officers on Lagos roads are in accordance with the law and not unlawful or unconstitutional,” he added.
Motorists were advised not to rely on what the government described as misrepresentations of the Abuja ruling and to cooperate with authorised VIS officers. The government also warned that anyone who obstructs or assaults VIS personnel in the course of their duties would be arrested and prosecuted.
