The outgoing Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has cautioned police personnel in the state against exploiting the enforcement of third-party insurance as an opportunity for extortion.
Itam delivered this warning during a Sensitisation programme for third-party insurance in the state, emphasising that third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles on Nigerian roads.
During a meeting with transport stakeholders and law enforcement officers at the Command’s headquarters in Awka on Thursday, Itam commended the stakeholders for their cooperation and appreciated the high level of compliance among motor vehicle owners in the state.
He urged law enforcement officers to enforce the third-party insurance requirement without engaging in corrupt practices.
The commissioner announced a one-week sensitisation period, followed by full enforcement with the involvement of mobile courts. He disclosed the premium rates for third-party insurance: N20,000 for commercial vehicles, N15,000 for private vehicles, and N5,000 for tricycles. Defaulters would face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The Federal Road Safety Corps in the state welcomed the police enforcement, highlighting the importance of compliance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act 2003.
They explained that third-party motor insurance provides financial compensation of up to N1 million for damages, injuries, or loss of life in accidents. It can be obtained from licensed insurance entities authorised by the National Insurance Commission.
Various stakeholders participated in the sensitisation programme, including delegates from the State Motor Licensing Authority, the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency, the Nigeria Labour Congress, as well as commercial vehicle operators and members of the press.
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