Vehicle Verification: LASG, FRSC announce implementation of annual ‘Proof of Ownership Certificate’
‘…..emphasize database for security
By Moses Adeniyi
The Lagos State Government (LASG) alongside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have announced the implementation of the new “annual Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC)” in Lagos, aimed to streamline and enhance the process of vehicle ownership verification in the State.
According to the duo, the development is in line with compliance with legal requirement fundamental to transparency, security and accountability within transportation network.
NewsDirect gathered the current fee to obtain the certificate which will be renewed annually is N1000.
“We are about to take another bold step as a responsive Government aimed at continued promotion of Safety and Security of lives and properties in our Dear State.
“This initiative is in accordance with 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’. Section 73- (1-6) also added that ‘The commission shall establish and maintain a Central Data Base for Vehicles and drivers for the federation’.
“To this end, the Federal Government has introduced the issuance of annual Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered vehicles. This certificate will serve as official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures,” the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, said at a press conference held on Tuesday at Ikeja, the State Capital, to make known the initiative.
According to him, the POC will 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.
”Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of Safety and Security of lives and property through the issuance of POC nationally and especially in our Dear State, the Joint Tax Board in its communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting held on 9th May, 2023 adopted and made a resolution that proof of ownership certificate (PoC) be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide.
“This decision among other things is aimed at tracking the real time status and guarantees the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database,” he said.
According to him, for effective security administration, the annual POC is specially printed and is connected with other vehicle documents in the State through the following benefits: “Statistics of vehicular population nation-wide can easily be obtained; Solution to minimization of car theft and recovery of stolen vehicles; Streamline the fulfillment of uniform licensing scheme mandate.”
Also are States motor vehicle documents can easily be verified regardless of the issuing state; Safety and security of vehicles and their owners; Enhance National Vehicle database for national security; and For planning and economic development.
He added that the POC will help track the real time status and guarantee the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
“It is based on the safety and security it guaranteed that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved for its commencement in Lagos State, hence this briefing to enlighten the public,” he said.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos, Corps Commander Babatunde Farinloye represented by Deputy Corps Commander (DCC), Tajudeen Mafe, said the development would enhance security apparatus, well being and development of the State.
He promised that according to the Federal Road Safety Commmission (Establishment) Act 2007, the Agency would collaborate with the State Government and every relevant agency to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.
He said the Agency in line with its role to regulate, enforce, and coordinate traffic management through robust database, would mobilise its personnel for the implementation process.
The General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, Lagos, Lape Kilanko, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Olowolagba, said among other “enormous benefits”, the initiative is unavoidable for national security.
Partner to the FRSC on the initiative, Mr. Obayindo Segun, argued the development is an initiative whose time has come, lamenting how poor ownership documentation across States in the Country has given room for theft of vehicles and other security breaches.
Obayindo who is the President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) argued that against the perspective that the initiative is another way to rake in revenue, the development is a security intelligence system in the transportation sector which will enable building a robust database for vehicles plying the roads, far and wide the entire Country.
