LAGOS GOVT CLARIFIES COURT RULING ON VIO OPERATIONS

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The Lagos State Government has issued a press statement to clarify the implications of a recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which limits the powers of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in the capital. Contrary to widespread belief, the ruling does not apply to VIO operations in Lagos.

According to Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, the Federal High Court ruling, which restricts VIOs in Abuja from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on vehicles, is restricted to Abuja and has no effect on VIO operations in Lagos.

The commissioner pointed out that the judgment is territorially limited and does not extend to Lagos or other states. He further explained that Lagos operates under its own transportation laws, specifically the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 (TSRL-2018). Under this law, the VIO retains its authority to enforce traffic regulations, impose fines, and ensure road safety compliance in Lagos State.

“The decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja is inapplicable in Lagos. Motorists in Lagos are advised to continue being law-abiding, respect the TSRL, and cooperate with the VIO,” the statement concluded.

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This clarification comes amid growing confusion among motorists, some of whom believed the Abuja ruling impacted VIO activities across the country.

Full Statement by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation:

In connection with the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja barring the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (otherwise known as VIO) from further stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on motorists, and whether the VIO in Lagos State or that of other states would be affected by the decision:

1. It is important to note and be informed that in law, a court has limits of its territorial jurisdiction, and in this case, the judgment is restricted to Abuja.

2. It is also important to know the rationale of the judgment of Hon. Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023. The rationale is that there is no law which empowers the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound, seize, or impose fines on motorists, whereas in Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018) which dictates; Part II, Section 11-22 of the law to the establishment, duties, and power of VIO in the State, with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations as contained in schedule of the law (violations 1-52).

3. Therefore, the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State.

Motorists in Lagos State are advised to continue to be law-abiding, uphold the TSRL, and respect the VIO.

E-signed
Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi,
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation,
October 8, 2024.