VEHICLE, OKADA, TRICYCLE OWNERS TO PAY N1,000 FOR ANNUAL RENEWAL OF PROOF OF OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the annual renewal of the Proof of Ownership Certificate for vehicles registered within the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing held at Alausa.
The renewal, according to Eng. Toriola will cost N1,000, adding that the initiative covers all vehicles, including commercial and private vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles.
The move, according to the Eng. Toriola is in line with the communique issued by the Federal Government Joint Tax Board, after an emergency meeting held on May 9, 2023.
Toriola explained that the annual renewal of proof of ownership of vehicle certificate is a national project, which every state must implement and the implementation has commenced with immediate effect.
While addressing the media to sensitize the public on the initiative, Eng. Toriola said the move is aimed at ensuring real-time tracking and maintaining the integrity of vehicle records on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
Toriola said the renewal process is part of the government’s commitment to keeping accurate and up-to-date records of vehicle ownership, which is crucial for effective traffic management, law enforcement, and public safety.
He pointed out that the renewal process will ensure national integration of data. According to him, the Proof of Ownership Certificate serves as valid proof that a vehicle is legally owned by the registered individual or entity and will contain vital information such as license plate number, model, year of manufacture, in addition to owner’s name and address.
Eng. Toriola disclosed that the document will be issued at the point of renewing vehicle particulars at a minimal fee of One Thousand Naira Only (₦1000).
Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary said the move will help to reduce car theft, adding that the move will aid verification of vehicles documents regardless of issuing State and well enhance national security amongst other benefits.
He stressed that by ensuring accurate records and documentation, Lagos State aims to create a safer and more efficient transportation system, urging all to comply with relevant authorities for seamless implementation of the process.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Babatunde Farinloye represented by Corp Commander Tajudeen Mafe said the implementation is in line with the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007, to regulate and enforce all road safety management procedure through robust database, expressing willingness of the Agency to ensure smooth execution of the procedure.
The General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) Mrs. Lape Kilanko, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Olowolagba stated that the initiative aligns with the Agency’s vision of gathering reliable and accurate database which will aid its operations.
A consultant to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Group Managing Director of Temply SYC Ltd, Prince Segun Obayendo said the initiative will help to address the issue of stolen vehicles that are currently untraceable.
He emphasized that with the initiative, interstate vehicles can be easily verified and captured in the Lagos State database. He also highlighted the role of data in the success of the Intelligent Transport System.
