The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced a new initiative requiring all motorists to pay an annual fee of N1,000 for the Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) verification.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola announced the implementation of the initiative during a joint press conference in Ikeja, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
According to him, the move aims to streamline and strengthen vehicle ownership verification, adding that starting from July 2023, the collection of this fee will be initiated by the Lagos State government
He further explained that this is in compliance with the legal requirement outlined in 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.” Additionally, Section 73-(1-6) mandates the establishment and maintenance of a Central Database for Vehicles and drivers across the federation.
Toriola emphasised that the decision aims to track the real-time status and maintain the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
“To this end, the Federal Government has introduced the issuance of annual Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered vehicles.
“This certificate will serve as official documentation of a vehicle’s legal owners upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures.
“The POC will contain vital information including the vehicle’s registration details, such as, license number plate, model, year of manufacture in addition to owner’s name and address.
“Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of Safety and Security of lives and property through the issuance of POC nationally and especially in our Dear State, the Joint Tax Board in its communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting held on 9th May 2023 adopted and made a resolution that proof of ownership certificate (PoC) be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide,” he said.