Third-Party Insurance: CP Azare Engages Stakeholders In Akwa Ibom

• Hammers on enforcement, smooth Implementation

BY UBON EKANEM – Determined to ensure smooth implementation of third-party vehicle insurance enforcement in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Mohammed Azare, has urged vehicles owners to quickly update their papers and avoid running foul of the law.

This is as he has also warned that vehicles without valid insurance would be impounded when the deadline expires on January 31, 2025.

CP Azare gave the warning at the strategic meeting with critical stakeholders on Monday, 20th January 2025, convened to foster collaboration and address concerns ahead of the February 1, 2025 enforcement date.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, CP Azare informed the stakeholders that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s directives demand all vehicle owners must possess valid third-party insurance as required by 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 would be impounded and only released upon the presentation of genuine documents.

Also cautioning against fake insurance, the Police Commissioner said vehicle owners found in possession of such documents would be required to identify the issuing source.

CP Azare, who was flanked by his management team, and Area commanders among other stakeholders, urged the public to patronize authentic insurance providers, stressing that strict compliance would prevent inconveniences and promote safety for all road users.

Also addressing participants at the meeting, the Sector Commander of the FRSC tasked road users to update their insurance and other vehicle particulars, describing them as important documents to avoid embarrassment during enforcement.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS),Sir Okon Okon lauded the Police Command for its proactive leadership, stating that third-party insurance is a basic requirement for all vehicles.

He appealed to vehicle owners to update their insurance documents promptly.

Speaking on behalf of RTEAN, the chairman, Comrade Godwin C Edem said the Union was in support of the enforcement exercise, acknowledging its potential to bring order to the state’s transportation system.

On his part, Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, commended CP Azare for his visionary and proactive approach, even as he pledged the support of journalists in creating awareness to ensure the initiative succeed in the State.

Also commenting on the exercise, State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade (Elder) Sunny James praised the Police for organising the strategic meeting to discuss enforcement of third party insurance.

He charged members of the public to renew their vehicles particulars before the expiration of the deadline to avoid being penalized.

Meanwhile, the enforcement exercise is expected to commence across all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state on 1st February 2025.

Forefront News noted that stakeholders at the meeting were Heads of key agencies in the road sub-sector such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

The list also included the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), among others.