Don’t Take Advantage of 3rd Party Insurance Enforcement to Extort Motorists – CP Warns Officers

By Praise Chinecherem

The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono Itam has cautioned police personnel in the state against exploiting the enforcement of third-party insurance as an opportunity for extortion.

Itam gave the warning on Thursday at the Police Command Headquarters, Amawbia during a sensitization programme for third-party insurance in the state.

He emphasized that third-party insurance was mandatory for all vehicles on Nigerian roads while that of Comprehensive Motor and corporate insurances were optional but recommended.

“The premium rates for third-party insurance is N20,000 for commercial vehicles, N15,000 for private vehicles, while N5,000 is for tricycles,” he added.

While announcing a one-week sensitization period, followed by full enforcement to involve mobile courts, Itam warned that defaulters would face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state commended the police for the enforcement, stating that it aims to ensure compliance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act 2003.

Represented by Deputy Corps Commander Ezeugwu Gloria, the Corps explained that third-party motor insurance provides financial compensation of up to N1 million for damages, injuries, or loss of life in the event of accidents.

“The insurance can be procured from licensed insurance entities authorized by the National Insurance Commission, which can be verified online,” she added.

Other stakeholders who attended the programme included representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), State Motor Licensing Authority, Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commercial vehicle operators, among others.