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Lagos Government: Why Court Ruling on VIO Authority Does Not Apply in Lagos

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 9th, 2024.

Lagos Government: Why Court Ruling on VIO Authority Does Not Apply in Lagos

The Lagos State government has announced that a recent High Court ruling, which restricts the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO) from imposing fines or seizing vehicles, does not extend to Lagos.

Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi clarified that while the VIO in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lacks the legal authority to impose fines, Lagos operates under the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) of 2018. This law grants the state’s VIOs the power to penalize traffic offenders.

He stated, “The Federal High Court ruling in Abuja prevents the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services from stopping or confiscating vehicles and imposing fines on motorists. However, this judgment only pertains to Abuja and does not affect VIO operations in Lagos or other states due to the limits of the court’s jurisdiction.”

Osiyemi elaborated on the implications of Justice Evelyn Maha’s ruling in the fundamental rights enforcement suit that led to the decision.

“In Lagos, the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL-2018) clearly outlines the establishment, responsibilities, and authority of the VIO, including the fines for traffic violations detailed in the law’s schedule,” he added. “Therefore, the Federal High Court’s decision on the VIO does not apply to Lagos

State.”