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Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam
The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Nnaghe Itam, on Thursday, met with transport stakeholders and law enforcement officers to discuss the ongoing enforcement of third-party motor insurance for motor vehicles plying Anambra State roads.
Itam met with the members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and other motoring public at the Command’s headquarters in Awka.
The commissioner commended the stakeholders for their cooperation and appreciated the high level of compliance among motor vehicle owners in the state.
He cautioned law enforcement officers in the state against seeing the enforcement of third-party insurance as an avenue for extortion.
He said, “Many motor vehicle owners possessed the required third-party motor insurance document from the first day of enforcement. The Anambra State Police Command will continue to enforce the third-party motor insurance requirement, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“We encouraged the public to continue adhering to traffic rules and regulations. We appreciate the motoring public for their cooperation and we encouraged motor vehicle owners and operators to act promptly to secure their third-party insurance.
“This is necessary as it will help avoid legal consequences and enhance road safety for all.”
During the sensitisation, Itam emphasised that third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles on Nigerian roads, noting that Comprehensive Motor and corporate insurance, on the other hand, are optional but recommended.
The commissioner announced that there would be a one-week sensitisation period, followed by full enforcement, which would involve mobile courts.
He also disclosed the premium rates for third-party insurance: N20,000 for commercial vehicles, N15,000 for private vehicles, and N5,000 for tricycles.
Itam warned that defaulters would face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Members of the Federal Road Safety Corps who also spoke at the event, welcomed the police enforcement, stating that it aims to ensure compliance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act 2003.
The FRSC maintained that third-party motor insurance provides financial compensation of up to N1 million for damages, injuries, or loss of life in the event of accidents.
Other stakeholders who attended the sensitisation programme included representatives from the State Motor Licensing Authority, Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency, Nigeria Labour Congress, journalists, and commercial vehicle operators.
