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Court ruling barring Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) applies only to FCT, not Lagos.
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Lagos VIS operates under state law, empowered to inspect vehicles, issue roadworthiness certificates, and enforce traffic regulations.
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Motorists urged to cooperate; obstructing VIS officers may lead to arrest and prosecution.
The Lagos State Government has clarified that the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja, which barred Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from impounding vehicles or imposing fines, applies only within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and does not affect VIS operations in Lagos.
In a Sunday statement, Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said viral reports suggesting nationwide application of the judgment were misleading.
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“The Federal High Court and Court of Appeal based their decision on the absence of statutory powers for VIO officials in the FCT,” the statement explained, adding that Nigeria’s federal structure allows states to legislate on residual matters such as traffic management.
Lagos State VIS, established under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, is authorised to inspect vehicle roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration checks, issue Road Worthiness Certificates, and cooperate with other agencies in traffic enforcement.
The ministry highlighted that fines are imposed following clear procedures and judicial oversight through mobile or magistrate courts.
“The process and procedure of enforcement by VIS officers on Lagos roads are lawful and constitutionally grounded,” the ministry stressed, warning motorists that obstructing or assaulting VIS officers could result in arrest and prosecution.
Motorists were urged not to be misled by misinterpretations of the Abuja ruling and to cooperate fully with authorised VIS officers on Lagos roads.