The Lagos State Government has made it clear that the recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which prohibits the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, from stopping and impounding vehicles, would not affect the operations of the VIO in Lagos.
According to Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the judgment is restricted to Abuja due to territorial jurisdiction limits.
The rationale behind the judgment, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, is that there is no no law empowering the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound, seize, or impose fines on motorists.
In contrast, Osiyemi explained that Lagos State has its own Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL-2018), which outlines the establishment, duties, and powers of the VIO, including penalties for traffic violations.
He said this means the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja does not apply to Lagos State, and the VIO will continue to operate as usual.
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According to Osiyemi, clarification is essential to avoid confusion and ensure smooth transportation operations in the state.
He said:
“It is also important to know the rationale of the judgment of Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
“The rationale is that there is no law which empowers the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound seize, or impose fines on motorists, whereas, in Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018) which dictates; Part II, Section 11-22 of the law to the establishment, duties and power of VIO in the state.
“This is with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations as contained in the schedule of the law (violations-1-52).
“Therefore, the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State.”
