Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that the recent Court of Appeal decision in Abuja regarding Vehicle Inspection Officers’ (VIO) activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not impact the operations of Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) on local roads.
In a statement signed by Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), the government expressed concern over what it called a misrepresentation of the appellate court’s ruling.
The Abuja Court of Appeal had upheld a Federal High Court decision that declared certain VIO enforcement actions in the FCT illegal.
The Ministry reminded that in 2025, Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled in a fundamental rights case that the respondents, including the Director of Road Transport, the Team Leader of Area Command Jabi, and the FCT Minister, lacked legal authority to stop, impound, or seize vehicles or levy fines on motorists within the FCT. The appellate court supported this ruling.
Lagos State clarified that these rulings were based on the lack of statutory authority for VIOs in the FCT. However, they emphasized that such judgments are specific to their jurisdiction and do not apply across the country.
“While legally binding on the involved parties and jurisdictions without specific statutes, the ruling does not affect states like Lagos that have statutory frameworks for vehicle inspection,” the statement said.
The government highlighted Nigeria’s federal system, stating that traffic management and vehicle inspection are residual powers for state governments. Lagos State, unlike the FCT, has a detailed legal framework governing VIS, outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law.
Section 12(1) authorizes VIS officers to inspect vehicles, check roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue Road Worthiness Certificates, and cooperate with other agencies on traffic enforcement. Section 23(1) details procedures for imposing fines, which can be paid immediately through mobile courts or within 48 hours of issuing a ticket. Failure to comply may lead to formal charges before a Magistrate or Mobile Court, and motorists have the right to challenge fines in court.
The Ministry stated that VIS operations in Lagos fully adhere to state law and are lawful and constitutional.
Motorists were advised to cooperate with VIS officers to avoid penalties and warned that attacking or obstructing officers during their duties will result in arrest and prosecution.
“The Lagos State Government remains dedicated to ensuring that traffic enforcement is done professionally, respectfully, and courteously toward road users,” the statement concluded.
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