The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which barred the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping and impounding vehicles, does not impact the operations of the VIO in Lagos.
Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized in a statement that the judgment, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha, applies only to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He explained that Lagos has its own legal framework, the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 (TSRL), which governs VIO operations within the state.
“The judgment does not affect Lagos, as it was based on the fact that there’s no law empowering the VIO in Abuja to carry out such actions. However, in Lagos, our Transport Sector Reform Law clearly defines the powers and duties of the VIO, including imposing fines for traffic violations,” Osiyemi stated.
He encouraged Lagos motorists to remain compliant with local traffic laws and continue respecting the authority of the VIO.
