Kaduna, Kano and Katsina State Police Commands have commenced the enforcement of third-party motor vehicle insurance policy.
The move followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
Kaduna State Police Command said it had deployed its personnel across the state to enforce the third party insurance on motorists.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, who said the enforcement began on February 1, added that it was a directive of IGP Egbetokun.
“In compliance with the directive the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, has given directive for a full enforcement of the mandatory Third Party Insurance Policy for vehicles.
“The enforcement aims to ensure compliance with the compulsory insurance policy, which provides protection for road users against liabilities arising from accidents involving insured vehicles,” he said.
Hassan said vehicle owners and motorists found guilty would be charged to court for prosecution, just as he urged all vehicle owners and motorists to obtain a valid third party insurance coverage as soon as possible.
In Kano State, motorists have raised concerns over the enforcement and limited benefits of third-party insurance policies, calling for urgent reforms to address their grievances.
Some of the commercial motorists expressed dissatisfaction with the compulsory nature of third-party insurance, arguing that the premiums were too high.
A motorist, Ali Musa said while third-party insurance is essential for protecting other road users, lack of comprehensive coverage is a major drawback for those who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation.
“We are forced to pay for something we don’t benefit from.
“The claims process is also slow, and sometimes the compensation offered does not even cover the damages,” he decried.
Abubakar Sani, a commercial bus driver, said third-party insurance plays a vital role in ensuring that road users are financially protected in the event of accidents
According to him, this is especially more plausible in a country with endless traffic congestions and accidents.
He expressed concerns over the challenges posed by the mandatory third-party insurance requirement.
Sani argued that the policy being enforced by the police is placing an undue financial burden on drivers in the country.
He, therefore, called for a review of the policy to reflect their economic realities.
Alhassan Aminu, a private car owner, explained that the third-party insurance, which is mandatory for all vehicle owners in Nigeria, only covers damages to third parties, including injuries and property damage.
According to him, it does not cover the insured motorist’s own vehicle or property.
He called for a reduction in the insurance premium to make it more affordable for drivers.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo had met with transport stakeholders to discuss the ongoing enforcement of third-party insurance for vehicles.
The commissioner had met with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and the chairman of Kano Line Motor Park.
The commissioner commended the stakeholders for their cooperation and appreciated the high level of compliance among vehicle owners in the state.
He said over 85 percent of them had possessed the required third-party motor insurance document from the first day of enforcement
Dogo said the command would continue to enforce the requirement, in line with the directives of the IGP.
He called on stakeholders to sensitise their members to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
In the meantime, Katsina State Police Command said its operatives had begun the enforcement of the policy across the state.
Its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu disclosed this in Katsina.
He said the enforcement is in line with the directive of Egbetokun that all vehicles plying the road must be insured.
This, Aliyu said is in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Act 2003, which mandates all vehicle owners to have at least a third-party insurance cover.
He, therefore, called on motorists to ensure that their vehicles are insured to avoid the penalty.
