ASABA: POLICE SET TO ENFORCE THIRD-PARTY MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE POLICY COMPLIANCE

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda 
Commissioner of Police 
Delta State Command Headquarters Asaba 

"The enforcement effort is about ensuring fairness and protecting responsible road users who follow the law. He encourages responsible driving, reminding Deltans that compliance with vehicle insurance laws is essential for road safety, that driving without insurance is not only illegal but also irresponsible." CP Abaniwonda.

"Third-party vehicle insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you're considered responsible for damages to another persons vehicle." Delta Police Spokesman. 

"This police has always looked for ways to input policies that impugnes on the freedom of the people. What exactly is their concern on a third party insurance when companies hardly comply with their agreement part?" Comrade Israel Joe.

The Delta State Police command is launching a strict enforcement campaign of the Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance on February 1, 2025. 

This, according to a statement issued and signed by SP Edafe Bright, Spokesman for the State Command Headquarters Asaba, "is in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, and in accordance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2 - 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act, which mandates all vehicle owners to obtain a minimum of Third-Party Insurance before operating on Nigerian roads."

"Third-party vehicle insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you're considered responsible for damages to another persons vehicle." The statement read.

The statement further disclosed that, "As part of the routine enforcement operations, the Delta State Command has observed with concern that a decreasing number of vehicles in the state are insured, as reported by the Nigeria Insurance Associations. In response to that data, and to ensure strict compliance, the Delta State Police Command has established an enforcement team to tackle the challenge of the declining number of insured vehicles, and to ensure adequate compensation of accident victims."

CP Abaniwonda Olufemi noted that the enforcement effort is about ensuring fairness and protecting responsible road users who follow the law. He encourages responsible driving, reminding Deltans that compliance with vehicle insurance laws is essential for road safety, that driving without insurance is not only illegal but also irresponsible. He added that vehicular users who are uninsured puts themselves and other road users at financial risk; thereby urging all drivers to check their policies and ensure they’re covered before getting behind the wheel. On that note, drivers are advised to verify that their vehicle insurance is up to date, and always carry proof of valid Third-Party Insurance when driving to avoid facing severe legal consequences not limited to vehicle seizure or impoundment and possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, in a reaction to the statement by Spokesman of the Delta State Police Command Headquarters, notable Rights Activist, Comrade Israel Joe stated that, "This police has always looked for ways to input policies that impugnes on the freedom of the people. What exactly is their concern on a third party insurance when companies hardly comply with their agreement part?" He queried.

"I think they have opened up another avenue for extortion by their men who would ruthlessly compel motorists to part away with a huge amount of money to evade the punishment that would be melted on them.

"The police should be looking for a way to resolve the legitimacy of their IG already in court for alleged illegality, not cunningly coming with another policy to suffer Nigerians. We shall ensure we confront policemen with laws if any is found extorting Nigerians on these ill-timed policies." Comrade Israel Joe stated.