Akwa Ibom Police Launch Awareness Campaign on Third-Party Insurance
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a sensitization campaign to ensure that vehicle owners comply with the directive to obtain third-party insurance, in line with existing legal requirements. The campaign is part of efforts to deepen public understanding and acceptance of the policy, which aims to protect road users and promote adherence to traffic laws.
At a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare explained that the initiative was in accordance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Act. He emphasized that acquiring third-party insurance is a legal obligation for all vehicle owners, urging the public to ensure they have the necessary documents to avoid legal consequences.
“The policy is a lawful one, and it is essential that we educate our people on the importance of obtaining third-party insurance to avoid being caught by the law,” Azare said. He further announced that the police would be fully prepared to enforce the directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, starting on February 1.
The Commissioner added that vehicles without valid third-party insurance would be seized and taken to the nearest police station. Such vehicles would only be released once the owners present the required insurance documentation. Azare also reminded officers involved in the enforcement to maintain professionalism and avoid any instances of extortion.
In a related statement, Mr. Edward Odiete, the Sector Commander for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom, echoed the importance of third-party insurance as a long-standing requirement for vehicle owners. Odiete called on all vehicle owners to ensure their papers, particularly third-party insurance certificates, are updated and valid. He also urged them to obtain the insurance documents only from certified insurance companies.
The enforcement of this regulation, which begins on February 1, aims to ensure safer roads and promote greater compliance with traffic regulations in the state.
