Lagos State Government Affirms Legality of Vehicle Inspection Operations Following Court Ruling Clarification
The Lagos State Government has moved to clarify the scope of a recent Court of Appeal judgment, stating that a ruling which found certain vehicle inspection activities illegal applies solely to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and does not affect the operations of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
The Ministry of Justice issued the statement to address what it described as widespread misinterpretation of the appellate court’s decision. The ministry emphasized that the judgment, which upheld a Federal High Court ruling, was confined to the specific parties and the legal framework of the FCT Administration.
The underlying case originated from a fundamental rights enforcement suit in Abuja. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Evelyn Maha, had ruled that officials of the FCT Administration lacked statutory authority to stop, impound, or fine motorists, as there was no enabling law for such actions in the territory. The Court of Appeal later affirmed this decision, highlighting the absence of a specific legal basis in the FCT.
Lagos State officials stressed that this ruling has no bearing on states with their own established legislation. “The Lagos State Government acknowledges that the said courts’ judgments and the restraining orders made are valid in law and binding,” the ministry stated. “However, the judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria.”
The government pointed to Nigeria’s federal structure, where vehicle inspection and traffic management are residual matters for state governments. Unlike the FCT, Lagos operates under the clear authority of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law. This law empowers the VIS to conduct inspections, issue roadworthiness certificates, and enforce traffic regulations. Section 23(1) of the law also outlines procedures for imposing fines, including options for immediate payment or challenge in court.
“The suspect or offender is also at liberty to challenge the validity of the ticket in a court of law,” the ministry added, underscoring the built-in legal safeguards.
The state government maintained that its VIS operations are fully lawful and constitutional, backed by existing statute. It urged the public to disregard misrepresentations of the court judgments and to cooperate with VIS officers. The clarification aims to ensure proper public understanding and reaffirm the continued, lawful discharge of vehicle inspection duties in Lagos State.
