IGP’s Third Party Insurance: A Compliance Drive, Without Sensitization.
Eben Enasco Reporting.
The Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun recently launched a nationwide compliance drive to enforce the mandatory Third Party Motor Insurance policy.
According to the IGP directive, enforcement of compulsory issuance of third party insurance for all vehicles in the country commenced on February 1, 2025.
Flowing from the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Commissioners across the states commands including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, COMPOL Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, are urging all law-abiding vehicle owners to get their third party insurance in compliance.
This, the Edo State Commissioner warned that anyone who fails to get his or her vehicle particulars, especially the third party insurance update would face sanctions.
Her action stems from the renewed commitment of the IGP to road safety, for users and motorists.
It is documented that the Third Party Insurance Policy, covers the third party in an accident against damage to vehicles, property or bodily injuries that may arise.
However, the initiative has been criticized for lacking adequate sensitization and public awareness before embarking on compliance drive.
Not many motorists and road users are familiar with the intricacies of the formation of the third party insurance policy, leaving a wide gap between the enforcer and the society.
The policy is mandatory for all vehicle owners, and the IGP’s compliance drive aims to ensure that all motorists have the required insurance coverage and is perceived as strange to a higher percentage of road users.
The compliance drive, which commenced on February 2, 2025, has seen the IGP deploy police officers to major highways and roads to inspect vehicles and verify their insurance status.
Motorists found without the mandatory insurance policy are believed to be facing a compulsory fine and subsequent penalty.
However, the compliance drive has been criticized for being poorly publicized, leaving many motorists unaware of the requirement.
Since the directive, many have taken to social media and other public spaces to express their frustration and disappointment, claiming that they were not informed about the policy or the compliance drive.
The consequences of non-
compliance are severe, with fines ranging from various to amount implies that it will directly hit the pockets of many who are below average income earners.
With the jack up of all taxes in the country including the planned electricity income tax, this will have hyper effects on the pockets of over 80% of motorists and road users who struggle daily to earn a living.
Most motorists have a fuel pump price of between 970 per and 1,050 per liter, struggle to balance their vehicles to the owners, after removing the cost of buying fuel and they are left with barely nothing.
Securing a mandatory Third Party Motor Insurance policy, comes with a price.
If the payment is pegged at 15,000 naira to obtain it, many bread winners will undergo untold hardship to do so.
Imagine how it would feel when such a motorist is further punished for not being able to pay for the Insurance policy.
Motor third-party insurance is a crucial safeguard for vehicle owners and drivers, offering financial protection in the event of an accident.
While it may not cover damage to your own vehicle, it is a legal requirement for plying on the road, which helps protect you against liability for injuries or damage caused to others, as offenders may also face imprisonment.
The IGP has warned that the compliance drive will be sustained, and motorists are advised to ensure they have the required insurance coverage to avoid penalties.
To address the concerns and criticisms, the IGP and relevant stakeholders must prioritize public sensitization and awareness.
This can be achieved through various channels, including social media, radio, and television announcements, as well as community outreach programs.
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, should have been best placed to carry out the sensitization for at least one week or more to validate the IGP’s directive in ensuring full awareness of the society for compliance.
It is essential that the authorities prioritize awareness and education to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the Third Party Motor Insurance policy.
While the IGP’s compliance drive is aimed at promoting road safety and protecting victims of road accidents, its effectiveness may be hindered by inadequate public sensitization.