The Lagos State government, the commercial capital of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has recently launched a new initiative to issue a Certificate of Ownership to vehicle owners in the state.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at Alausa by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola.
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The Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) and its Purpose
The newly introduced Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) aims to create a comprehensive database of vehicles operating within Lagos State.
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The POC does not replace existing vehicle documents, such as driver’s licenses and roadworthiness certificates. Instead, it serves as an additional document to enhance safety, security, and accountability for Lagosians.
The initiative is not limited to Lagos State alone. It will be implemented in other states as well to ensure a harmonized national database of all vehicles, including both commercial and private vehicles. This unified system will facilitate easy tracking of vehicles and their owners in the event of any criminal offense.
Obtaining the POC
To obtain the Proof of Ownership Certificate, vehicle owners need to visit the nearest licensing office during the renewal of their other vehicle papers. The POC can be acquired at an annual fee of N1000.
Key Information on the POC
The POC will contain essential details such as the vehicle’s registration information (license plate number, model, and year of manufacture) as well as the owner’s name and address. This documentation will serve as official proof of a vehicle’s legal ownership after fulfilling all the necessary requirements and procedures.
Combating Vehicle-Related Crime
The implementation of the POC is a strategic measure to address criminal activities associated with the misuse of vehicles. By reviewing the challenges faced in promoting safety and security, the Lagos State government, in partnership with the Joint Tax Board, has introduced this initiative.
Additionally, it will help track real-time vehicle status and ensure the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
Revenue Generation and Government Support
Contrary to speculation, the Permanent Secretary emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is not revenue generation for the government. Instead, it aims to enhance transparency, security, and accountability within the transportation network.
The Sector Command of the FRSC in Lagos, represented by Tajudeen Mafe, assured its full support in implementing the initiative. The FRSC views it as a crucial step towards regulating traffic management, enhancing national security, and facilitating efficient vehicle verification across the state.
Generally, the introduction of the Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) by the Lagos State government and FRSC marks a significant development in vehicle ownership verification and data management. The initiative aims to improve safety and security while streamlining the process of identifying vehicle owners. With plans to expand this initiative to other states, it demonstrates a commitment to creating a unified and efficient system for tracking vehicles and their owners nationwide.