By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
Director General, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun on the Enforcement of Mandatory of third party vehicle insurance.
The rights activist held that the order which took effect from February 1, 2025, represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety and accountability in Nigeria.
The Civil rights group, who premises on the provision of the Motor Vehicles (third Party Insurance) Act (Cap M22 LFN 2004) and Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended, enumerated the powers of the Nigerian police which includes but not limited to enforce laws.
Dr Nwambu maintained that sequel to the IGP Koyade Egbetokun meeting with the Commissioner for Insurance on January 10, 2025, that the initiative addresses critical challenges facing motorists and the public at large.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by many Nigerians regarding the limited three-week notice period for obtaining the necessary insurance, the group believe it is essential to highlight the numerous advantages of implementing Mandatory Third Party Vehicle Insurance effectively in our system.
According to him, the move is a giant stride toward fostering a safer driving environment for all Nigerians.
“We look forward to a collaborative effort among stakeholders to ensure that this initiative is implemented effectively, benefitting not only vehicle owners but also the society at large.” he held .
He recalled that in 2023, the Federal Road Safety Commission stated that on road crashes alone, 5,081 road crash victims died on Nigerian Roads. In 2024, 5,421 persons lost their lives on Nigerian roads showing a 7% increase on mortality on our roads.
On the advantages of Third Party Vehicle Insurance, Dr Nwambu posited;
Legal Compliances: Mandatory third-party insurance ensures that all vehicle owners comply with legal requirements reducing the incidence of uninsured vehicles on the road. This compliance fosters greater respect for traffic laws.
Financial Protection: In the event of an accident caused by the insured vehicle, third-party insurance protects the driver from substantial financial liability. It covers damages or injuries inflicted on others, providing a safety net for motorists.
Enhanced Road Safety : With an insurance requirement in place, vehicle owners are encouraged to drive more responsibly and to adhere to traffic regulations. This ultimately contributes to a reduction in road accidents.
Public Confidence: Knowing that all drivers are insured fosters a sense of security among the public. It enhances trust in the transportation system, as victims of accidents are more likely to receive compensation for damages and injuries.
Support for Victims of Accidents: Third-party insurance ensures that victims of road accidents are compensated for their losses, facilitating faster recovery and reducing the financial burdens associated with accidents.
Discouragement of Fraudulent Practices: With the enforcement of mandatory insurance, there will be less incentive for fraudulent activities, such as purchasing fake insurance policies, thereby motorists.
Going further in their position, the group enumerated the need for proper implementation.
He submitted that for proper implementation, authorities are to in place robust measures that will facilitate a smooth transition for all stakeholders. This includes:
He added that public awareness campaigns, through launching a comprehensive educational campaigns will inform drivers about the importance of third-party insurance and the steps to obtain it.
The Group Also noted that partnership with Insurance Companies to streamline the process of purchasing policies, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all vehicle owners will go a long way in the sensitisation.
Concluding, Dr Nwambu appeal for a reasonable grace period for citizens to obtain the required insurance coverage without facing penalties, thus addressing concerns regarding the short notice.
Therefore, he commend IGP Egbetokun for initiating the essential policy to enforce Mandatory Third Party Vehicle Insurance.
