January 21, (THEWILL) – As part of efforts to ensure seamless enforcement of the third-party vehicle insurance policy slated to take effect on February 1, 2025, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare, held a strategic meeting with stakeholders in the state on Monday.
The meeting, which took place at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, aimed to foster collaboration and address concerns regarding the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the implementation of the policy.
Speaking during the session, CP Azare emphasised that the directive mandates all vehicle owners to obtain valid third-party insurance, in line with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act.
He warned that vehicles without valid insurance documents would be impounded and released only upon the presentation of genuine papers.
The Commissioner also sounded a note of caution against the use of fake insurance, stating that offenders would be compelled to disclose the sources of such counterfeit documents.
“Compliance with this directive is essential not only for legal adherence but also for enhancing road safety. I urge vehicle owners to patronize credible insurance providers to avoid inconvenience,” CP Azare said.
The FRSC Sector Commander, who also spoke at the meeting, reinforced the importance of compliance, advising motorists to ensure all their vehicle particulars are up to date to prevent embarrassment during enforcement.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service lauded the proactive measures taken by the police and highlighted the necessity of third-party insurance for all vehicle owners, urging compliance before the expiration of the grace period.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS).
The collaborative efforts aim to ensure a smooth rollout of the policy, with authorities reiterating their commitment to public awareness and strict enforcement to enhance safety and accountability on the state’s roads.
