FGN Imposes Annual Fee Payment On All Car Owners as Lagos State Commences Implementation

The Federal Government of Nigeria, has introduced a fee of N1,000 to be paid by all car owners annually for Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) verification.

Lagos State is kick-starting the collection of the fee for POC from motorists beginning from July 2023.

The Lagos state government says it will commence the implementation of the levy for annual proof of ownership (PoC) certificate for vehicles in the month of July.

Abdulhafiz Toriola, the permanent secretary of the ministry of transportation, announced the development at a news conference on Tuesday.

Toriola said the Joint Tax Board (JTB), on May 9, approved the resolution that proof of ownership is issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide.

The permanent secretary said the initiative aims to streamline and enhance the process of vehicle ownership verification.

He disclosed that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has approved the commencement of the levy in the state.

“The initiative is in accordance with the national road traffic regulation 2012 as amended, No. 101, Vol. 99; Section 73 (1) which states that there shall be proof of ownership certificate for all registered vehicles,” he said.

“Section 73 adds that the commission shall establish and maintain a central database for vehicles and drivers for the federation.

“To this end, the federal government has introduced the issuance of an annual proof of ownership certificate for all registered vehicles.

“This certificate will serve as official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owner, upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures.”

Also speaking at the press conference, Babatunde Farinloye, Lagos sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said the agency was empowered by law to implement government policies.

Farinloye said that it was incumbent on the FRSC to enforce, regulate and coordinate road safety transport management.

Olabisi Olowolagba, the representative of the motor vehicle administration agency (MVAA), said the body is excited about the introduction of the PoC.

She said the certificate will enhance security and the agency would ensure that it is successful.