The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has clarified the legality of Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officers operating on Lagos roads following a viral report misinterpreting a Court of Appeal judgment concerning VIO activities in Abuja.
Eko Hot News reports that the clarification followed the judgment of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, which upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court restraining Vehicle Inspection Officers from impounding vehicles or imposing fines in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to the Ministry, the judgment specifically applies to the FCT and parties involved in that suit. It stressed that the ruling is not of nationwide effect and does not invalidate laws enacted by states with statutory backing for vehicle inspection operations.
The Ministry explained that Lagos State operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which legally empowers the Vehicle Inspection Service to regulate and inspect vehicles, ensure roadworthiness, and issue Road Worthiness Certificates.
Under Section 23 of the law, fines may be imposed through mobile courts or via tickets payable within 48 hours. Defaulters may be charged before a Magistrate or Mobile Court, with full rights to defend themselves.
The government emphasised that traffic and vehicle inspection fall under residual legislative powers of states within Nigeria’s federal structure.
It therefore advised motorists not to be misled by misinterpretations of the Abuja judgment and to cooperate with VIS officers while exercising their legal rights where necessary.
The Ministry reaffirmed that enforcement activities in Lagos will continue in accordance with the law, with civility and respect for road users.
