The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Court of Appeal judgment concerning the powers of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not affect the legality of its own Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operations within the state.
The clarification came after widespread social media reports incorrectly implied that the appellate court’s ruling which upheld a lower court decision that stripped certain VIO officials in the FCT of powers to stop, impound or fine motorists had nationwide effect, including in Lagos. The state government described such interpretations as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the government explained that the Court of Appeal’s judgment applies strictly to the FCT jurisdiction and the parties involved in that case, and is not of “general or nationwide application.” The ruling was based on the absence of specific legal authority for VIOs in the FCT to carry out enforcement actions because there was no underlying law granting them those powers.
Lagos stressed that its VIS activities remain lawful and constitutionally backed by state legislation. The state operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which clearly empowers the VIS to inspect vehicles, conduct pre-registration checks, issue Road Worthiness Certificates and enforce relevant traffic regulations. The law also provides for on-the-spot fines, mobile court procedures and judicial review of penalties.
Under the state law, VIS officers in Lagos can legally stop vehicles, check for roadworthiness, and work with other agencies to uphold transport and traffic rules. Penalties for offenders are prescribed in statutory provisions and subject to oversight by authorised courts, ensuring due process for motorists.
The government reiterated that Nigeria’s federal system allows states to legislate on residual matters such as traffic management and vehicle inspection. Because Lagos has its own enabling law, the VIS’s functions are unaffected by judicial decisions that apply only in the FCT or other jurisdictions without similar statutes.
Officials also urged motorists not to be misled by misinterpretations of the Abuja ruling and to continue cooperating with VIS officers on Lagos roads to avoid penalties. The state warned that obstruction of lawful enforcement activities could lead to arrest and prosecution, reaffirming that its traffic-inspection framework is intended to ensure road safety and compliance with vehicle standards under the law.
In summary, while the Court of Appeal decision affirmed limitations on enforcement powers in the FCT, Lagos State maintains that its VIS operations are governed by its own legal framework and remain valid, lawful and enforceable within the state’s jurisdiction.
