Nigeria Police Force to Enforce Mandatory Third Party Insurance from February 1st, 2025

The Nigeria Police Force, under the directive of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has announced the upcoming enforcement of Mandatory Third Party Insurance for all vehicle owners across the nation, effective from February 1st, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with insurance requirements, protecting both vehicle owners and third parties on the road.

The press release, issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, highlighted the importance of this regulation, stating that failure to comply will result in strict enforcement actions. These actions include fines, penalties, or both, as outlined by relevant laws. The enforcement aims to reinforce road safety measures, ensuring all vehicles are covered by third-party insurance to mitigate the financial impact of accidents on uninvolved parties.

Starting from February 1st, police officers nationwide will be empowered to conduct checks on vehicles to ensure compliance. Vehicle owners without valid Third Party Insurance are urged to obtain coverage promptly to avoid any legal repercussions or embarrassment. The IGP has instructed all State Commissioners of Police to oversee this enforcement, emphasizing the need for diligence in this task.

This move comes in the wake of discussions with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), with the IGP receiving the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and his team at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to public safety through regulatory compliance. According to the Insurance Act and the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act, all vehicle owners must possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads, with non-compliance leading to significant penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both.

The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing road safety and protecting citizens’ lives through strict enforcement of traffic laws. As ACP Adejobi concluded in the press release, cooperation from the public in this endeavor is crucial and greatly appreciated.

For more information on how to comply with this mandate, vehicle owners are encouraged to visit the Nigerian Insurers Association website or any NIA member companies to purchase their third-party motor insurance, which also grants them an ECOWAS BROWN CARD, offering insurance cover across West African countries.

The enforcement of this regulation marks a significant step towards safer roads in Nigeria, with the hope that all vehicle owners will comply promptly to ensure a smoother transition into this new policy era.