By Razornewsng.com
Facts, which remain sacrosanct in the ongoing Enforcement of 3rd Party Insurance policy across the country is that the Nigeria Police is merely fostering inter-agency collaboration by aiding the National Insurance Commission to achieve its mandate.
It is an undisputable fact that the police is the Law Enforcer-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, sister agencies like NAFDAC, SON and many others who could bark but not bite, run to them for enforcement of the laws establishing them.
In a bid to curb the menace of uninsured vehicles and ensure that victims of accidents receive adequate compensation, the Nigeria Police Force commenced the nationwide crackdown on defaulting motorists today.
With the enforcement exercise kicking off simultaneously across the country, motorists without valid third-party insurance have been advised to comply or face the law.
Lagos, Kogi, Delta, FCT, Edo and several other states commenced the enforcement on Saturday, January 1.
Contrary to insinuations that police has now turn itself to tax collector, the Force Headquarters had weekend put it on record that it is not the issuing authority for 3rd party insurance.
It maintained it was only enforcing the law, and won’t make a dime from enforcing the policy.
There were also speculations that police decision on strict enforcement could have arisen from the fact that there now exists Nigeria Police Force Insurance company limited, which can equally issue third party motor insurance. All these have been described as falsehood from the rumour mills.
The Inspector-General of Police’s decision to enforce the 3rd party law was triggered by the visit of Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin and team’s visit, soliciting police help.
The Commission, led by Mr. Olusegun was 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.
He had solicited for the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.
He had 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.
In his remarks, during the visit, the IGP affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.
Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads. Violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
Enforcement of all.our laws are encouraged, however, Nigerians are anticipating it is another guise by police operativeson the road to extort unsuspecting motorists. The high command, must guard against that.