Court Ruling Barring VIO Operations Not Nationwide – Lagos Govt

The Lagos State Government has clarified the legality of the operations of Vehicle Inspection Service officers across the state, following public reactions to a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, which barred Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in the Federal Capital Territory from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, the government described viral interpretations suggesting the ruling applies across Nigeria as misleading.

“The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a viral report of misrepresentation of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja on the illegality of VIO activities of impounding or confiscating vehicles and/or imposing fines on motorists in FCT Abuja,” the statement read.

The ministry explained that the earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, which was upheld on appeal, was premised on the absence of statutory powers authorising enforcement by VIO officials in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the statement, “It is important to understand that the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on the absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja.”

While acknowledging the validity of the judgment, the state government maintained that the decision was not of general application.

“The Judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the ministry stated, noting that the country’s federal structure allows states to legislate on residual matters, including vehicle inspection and traffic management.

Lagos Law Empowers VIS

The government stressed that enforcement activities in the state are backed by law, citing the establishment and powers granted to the Vehicle Inspection Service under the Lagos transport sector reform framework.

It explained that VIS officers are empowered to inspect and regulate vehicle roadworthiness, conduct pre-registration inspections, issue roadworthiness certificates, and collaborate with other agencies to enforce traffic regulations.

The ministry added that penalties imposed on offenders are subject to judicial oversight through mobile courts or magistrate courts.

“The fine shall be paid either on the spot if it is imposed by a mobile court or within forty-eight hours upon issuance of the ticket by an authorised officer. On default of payment a formal charge shall be proffered against the offender,” the statement explained.

The state insisted that VIS operations remain lawful and constitutionally grounded.

“The process and procedure of enforcement of power of the VIS officers on Lagos roads are in accordance with the law and not unlawful or unconstitutional,” it said.

Motorists were urged not to rely on what the government described as misrepresentations of the Abuja judgment but to cooperate with enforcement officials.

“Members of the public are therefore advised not to be misled … and to cooperate with Lagos State VIS officers on Lagos roads to avoid sanctions,” the ministry stated.

It also warned that any motorist who obstructs or assaults VIS personnel while carrying out their duties would be arrested and prosecuted.

The clarification comes amid sustained public debate following the appellate court’s ruling, which affirmed an earlier decision restraining the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and VIO officials in the Federal Capital Territory from impounding vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.