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•Focus on bigger security threats, analysts tell Police
By Henry Uche
The enforcement of compulsory motor insurance (third-party) by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigeria Police has sparked widespread concern among vehicle owners across the country, with many questioning the timing and priorities of law enforcement.
Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance is a vital safeguard in the automotive landscape, offering financial protection against damages caused by an insured vehicle to a third party. This policy is mandatory in several countries, including Nigeria, to ensure that those affected by road accidents receive the compensation they deserve, promoting fairness and accountability on the roads.
In light of its importance, the Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, called for an extensive public awareness campaign.
The initiative was to educate both the public and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ensuring that officers are well-equipped to enforce the Third-Party Motor Insurance policy effectively.
Omosehin also pledged NAICOM’s support for the NPF, guaranteeing that the necessary resources and training will be provided to facilitate smooth and efficient enforcement across the nation. Through this collaborative effort, NAICOM aims to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s road safety system, offering greater protection to road users and ensuring that compliance with this essential policy becomes second nature for all motorists.
While the police clarify that they do not issue insurance cover, public affairs analysts argue that security agencies should focus on tackling more pressing national threats rather than cracking down on uninsured motorists.
Opinions are divided over the matter. While some vehicle owners in the country have expressed satisfaction over the reinforcement of the implementation of the third party motor insurance which came in full force again on February 1, 2025, others share a different view.
Many drivers say it is unnecessary to begin to chase drivers without the compulsory Insurance cover, considering the psychological effects on them.
Adewale Henry, a commercial driver had this to say; “We know insurance is important, but this is not the right time to do this. Everybody is angry. Some vehicles have it, while some don’t have it. Some even have fake ones because since last week, some of our members have been avoiding some routes, some have gone to collect the paper from sources they’re not sure of. You know any little thing makes people flare up and this may lead to confrontation with law enforcement agents”.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently announced the enforcement of motor vehicle insurance, effective February 1, 2025. On the heels of that and in a collaborative move to strengthen compliance in the country, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) inaugurated a joint committee on the enforcement of compulsory insurance laws. The inaugural meeting took place on January 30, 2025, at NAICOM’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Commissioner for Insurance was represented by the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Finance and Administration Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon at the meeting while the Police Force team was led by DCP Mallum Maina.
The objectives of the Joint Committee, according to document received from NAICOM were: To Develop and implement strategies for enforcing compulsory insurances in Nigeria; to Ensure compliance with compulsory insurance policies as mandated by the Insurance Act and other related laws; to Foster synergy and collaboration between NAICOM and NPF and to Provide training and capacity-building programs for personnel of both organizations on compulsory insurances.
The scope of work includes: To evaluate existing challenges in enforcing compulsory insurances and propose solutions; Develop protocols for joint enforcement operations of compulsory insurances; Recommend policy reforms to strengthen insurance compliance; to Undertake public sensitization programs on compulsory insurances, and To Develop training programs for personnel of both organizations on compulsory insurances.
The joint committee’s inauguration marks a significant step towards ensuring that all vehicle owners comply with compulsory insurance laws.
This collaboration aims to promote a safer and more secure environment for all road users.
To ensure seamless enforcement and as part of the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner, Finance & Administration, referred the Committee to some key tools, including the Insurance Act 2003, the Inspector General’s speech on Third-Party Motor Insurance enforcement, list of licensed insurance companies authorized to conduct motor business and NAICOM USSD *7292# for verification of insurance policy, or visit www.askiid.org and www.niip.ng to verify any motor insurance certificate and to purchase genuine Third-Party Motor insurance, respectively.
With this joint committee in place, NAICOM and the NPF are poised to make a significant impact on insurance compliance in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, following the kick off of the enforcement, the Nigeria Police said its attention was drawn to misinformation and misleading comments credited to some social media influencers and activists antagonising the police on the issuance and enforcement of the 3rd party insurance policy, where the NPF has been alleged of using the policy to rake in money.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumoyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force has emphasised that it does not issue third-party insurance as it has been misconstrued by some individuals. The responsibility for obtaining this mandatory insurance cover lies with vehicle owners through their respective insurance companies.
“The Force has commenced the enforcement operations of the insurance policy with effect from today, February 1, 2025, aiming to enhance road safety and protect the rights of accident victims.
“In light of this enforcement, the Force therefore cautions social media influencers and activists against spreading misinformation regarding insurance policies as the police is solely for the enforcement, not the issuance of the insurance cover.
“Dissemination of accurate information is vital to prevent misleading the public, while misconceptions can eventually lead to non-compliance and potential legal repercussions for motorists” he added.
Though the Police headquarters has warned its officers and men to be cautious and never indulge in any form of extortion as this enforcement exercise progresses, but urged vehicle owners to cooperate with the Police personnel as they discharge their statutory responsibilities.
However, reports obtained from different quarters of the country revealed that there are serious impoundment which has left so many drivers angered, frustrated and ready to fight.
In a swift response, some public affairs analysts in a monitored interview agreed that the Nigerian Police has the constitutional rights to enforce any law in the country, however, enforcement of third party cover should not be a top priority for them.
According to them, there are other national issues threatening the unity, peace and progress of Nigerians that demand urgent tackling. They listed kidnapping, banditary, arm robbery, terrorist invasion, and other forms of criminalities that have crippled the economy of Nigeria.
“The IGP is too big for this! We have so many challenges bedeviling us as a nation. We can’t cheapen ourselves like this. Nobody is against law enforcement agencies doing their work, but this is not an issue of national importance. There are emergency situations begging for urgent attention. You need to go and see how people are lamenting” an analyst opined.
