... Charges Nigerians To Respect Law, Policy
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed and announced February 1, 2025 as the commencement date for enforcement of third-party insurance, to be mandated that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.
The IGP Egbetokun said this today January 10, 2025 when he received the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin and team. Mr. Olusegun, accompanied by Dr. Usman Jankara, Deputy Commissioner (Technical); Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Administration); Dr. Talmiz Usman, Director (Legal, Enforcement, and Market Development); Mr. Ajibola Bankole, Director (Inspectorate); Mr. Taiwo Babatola Adeoye, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Insurance; and other members of NAICOM.
The IGP further stated that Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandated that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.
He urged Nigerians to comply with these laws, as violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
"It is a requirement for road ordinates of vehicles on Nigerian roads. The enforcement of this law has been part of our daily enforcement activities in Nigeria as police.
"Regrettably, the Nigeria Insurance Association reported that less than 30% of vehicles on Nigerian roads are insured. That's a challenge to us, and I want to assure you that we have taken up that challenge. We are going to increase our efforts with respect to enforcing this law.
The IGP Egbetokun ensures that victims of road accidents get the necessary compensation they deserve. It also protects people who become victims of road accidents while traveling in commercial vehicles. There is also the economic benefit of it.
It helps to grow our insurance industry in Nigeria. The insurance industry in Nigeria is growing, and they are employing our jobless youth, so we need to support them to also grow. It also encourages responsible driving culture on our roads. When motorists are aware that they will be held responsible for their actions on the road, they tend to behave better. And I quite agree with you that without intensified efforts on enforcement, people will not want to comply.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin congratulated the IGP on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Company Limited.
Omosehin emphasized the need for the police's assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws. He also requested the Nigeria Police Force's support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.
The NPF remains steadfast in collaborating with all MDAs and companies in ensuring that the protection of lives and property of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains paramount.