“CHRAN Calls for Extension of Vehicle Insurance Enforcement Deadline to April 2025”

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called for an extension of the enforcement date for the Vehicle Third Party Insurance requirement, urging a delay until at least April 2025 to allow more public sensitization.

Led by State Director Otuekong Isong, the group made the appeal on Friday during an advocacy visit to Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, at his office in Ikot Akpan-Abia. In a statement co-signed by Isong and Secretary Christopher Ekpo, CHRAN emphasized the importance of more awareness campaigns before the law is enforced.

The statement also called for professionalism from law enforcement officers during the enforcement to avoid human rights violations and unnecessary litigation. The group requested that both online and offline Third Party Insurance documents be recognized as long as they are valid and genuine.

“CHRAN appeals for an extension of the enforcement date for the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance beyond February 1, 2025, to possibly April 2025, to allow for more sensitization and engagements,” the statement read.

To support this effort, CHRAN’s Director, Isong, announced the formation of a five-person committee tasked with conducting awareness campaigns across the state. The committee will also engage key stakeholders to ensure that police officers and the public adhere to human rights standards during enforcement.

In his response, CP Azare expressed gratitude for CHRAN’s visit, praising their commitment to working with the police for the benefit of society. He reassured the group that the police command would continue to train officers to handle enforcement duties professionally and with respect for citizens’ rights.

On the issue of corruption and extortion during enforcement, CP Azare confirmed that he had directed all Area Commanders to ensure that no human rights violations occur. He encouraged the public to report any incidents of extortion to the police using the contact numbers made available by the Public Relations Officer.

In addressing CHRAN’s request for an extension of the enforcement date, CP Azare noted that the original deadline had already been shifted by three months by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He added that the Force Public Relations Desk had already initiated sensitization efforts and that no further extension would be granted for motorists who are unwilling to comply with the law.