Lagos State Clarifies VIO Operations Post-Court Ruling

The Lagos State government issued a statement clarifying that a recent court ruling from the Federal High Court, which upheld an appeal to bar the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from impounding vehicles and imposing fines in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), does not have nationwide applicability. The Minister of State explained that the ruling is based on the absence of statutory power for VIO officials in the FCT.

The Lagos government maintains that its vehicle inspection operations remain lawful and constitutional, emphasizing that states have the authority to legislate on residual matters, including vehicle inspection and traffic management. The statement urged motorists not to rely on misinterpretations of the Abuja judgment and warned against obstructing VIO personnel in the execution of their duties.

This clarification comes amid ongoing public debate following the appellate court's ruling that restricts the VIO's enforcement capabilities in the FCT.