The Federal Government has introduced a new policy where all categories of vehicles will be required to pay an annual fee of N1,000 for Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC). Unveiling the policy recently at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos, Engr. AbdulHafiz Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, disclosed that the policy is expected to take effect from July 2023. He said: “This certificate upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures, will serve as part of official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners.” Its purpose, according to him, “Is to ensure compliance with the legal requirement outlined in the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, as amended, No. 101, Vol. 99, Section 73-(1), which states that ‘There shall be Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered Vehicles.’
Additionally, Section 73-(1-6) mandates the establishment and maintenance of a Central Database for Vehicles and drivers across the federation.” Toriola explained that the POC would affect all classes of vehicles, including motorcycle, tricycle, mini vehicles, saloon cars, all classes of trucks, articulated vehicles among others that convey people or products from one point to the other. He said the certificate will also contain vital information, including the vehicle’s registration details, such as, license number plate, model, year of manufacture in addition to owner’s name and address. He said: “What this means is that it is now mandatory that all vehicle owners, obtain as a matter of policy, the Proof of Ownership Certificate annually, unlike what hitherto obtains when you only procure proof of ownership of vehicle when you purchase a used vehicle or change the engine of your vehicle.
“This certificate upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures, will serve as part of official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners.” According to him, “All States of the Federation are expected to begin the implementation of the new policy, and each vehicle owner is expected to pay a minimum of N1,000 to procure the document.”
