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The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja on Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operations does not apply to Lagos.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, said reports suggesting the ruling applies across Nigeria are misleading.
The Abuja court had upheld a Federal High Court decision stopping Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines.
Pedro explained that the courts based their decision on the fact that VIO officials in the FCT do not have the legal power to carry out these enforcement actions.
He said the ruling is valid only in the FCT and does not apply nationwide. Nigeria’s federal system allows states to make their own laws on matters like traffic management and vehicle inspection.
VIS Powers in Lagos
Lagos operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which gives the Vehicle Inspection Service the authority to:
- Inspect vehicles and regulate roadworthiness
- Conduct pre-registration checks and issue Road Worthiness Certificates
- Work with other agencies to enforce traffic rules
- Impose fines through mobile or magistrate courts
Pedro said fines must be paid on the spot if issued by a mobile court or within 48 hours. Failure to pay results in formal charges in court.
The government stressed that VIS enforcement in Lagos is legal and constitutional. Motorists are advised not to rely on misleading reports about the Abuja ruling and to cooperate with officers.
Anyone who obstructs or assaults VIS personnel while on duty risks arrest and prosecution.
