February 01, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Police Command, led by its Commissioner, Mr Baba Mohammed Azare, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, began the enforcement of the third-party insurance scheme as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Ehbetokun.
THEWILL reports that most major roads in the State capital, Uyo and environs have been deserted, as the police began thorough stop and search, to ensure that motorists in the state comply with the directive.
The enforcement as directed by the IG had stirred controversy and generated mixed reactions even as the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had carried out engagements with stakeholders including the media, labour leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers as part of the sensitisation campaign.
Some groups had requested the commencement of the enforcement date to be shifted to enable the police to carry out more enlightenment campaigns.
Also, the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Sunny James, had requested during the stakeholders meeting convened by the Command that the enforcement date be postponed “until sufficient enlightenment had been undertaken”.
Addressing reporters after monitoring the compliance, Commissioner of Police, Mr Baba Mohammed Azare, said the exercise has been seamless, adding that motorists in the state have complied accordingly.
According to him, “We are here to monitor the enforcement of the third-party insurance directed by the IGP.
“In Akwa Ibom State, we have a seamless exercise. The third-party insurance is a requirement of the law. You must have all your documents to ply Nigerian roads.”
He directed motorists to obtain their third-party insurance papers to avoid the impoundment of their vehicles, adding that the enforcement exercise has commenced and is currently ongoing.
The police boss explained that the enforcement of the directive by the IGP became necessary to ensure that motor vehicles were road-worthy and in line with the laws of the country.
He said the exercise would continue in the 31 LGAs of the State until motorists complied, adding that defaulters would have their vehicles impounded.
