Lagos clarifies Federal High Court judgment on VIO operations

The Lagos State Government has clarified that the recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which barred the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on vehicles, does not extend to Lagos State.

In a statement, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, explained that the court’s decision is limited to Abuja due to the territorial jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

He emphasized that the ruling, delivered by Hon. Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023), only applies to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where there is no specific law empowering the VIO to enforce traffic regulations.

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In contrast, Osiyemi highlighted that Lagos State operates under the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018), which grants the VIO legal authority to stop, impound, and fine vehicles for traffic violations.

Sections 11-22 of the TSRL establish the VIO’s powers, and the schedule outlines penalties for 52 traffic infractions.

The Commissioner urged motorists in Lagos to remain law-abiding, respect the state’s traffic laws, and cooperate with the VIO, as the Abuja judgment does not affect Lagos.