Enforcement of “Third party motor insurance” has commenced in Anambra today, with a joint operation of the Nigerian Police and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, officials arresting and prosecuting 19 motorists at a mobile court within Awka Magisterial District over non-compliance to the insurance policy, which is compulsory for all vehicles on Nigerian roads.
Three of the motorists were, however, discharged and acquitted when it was discovered that they have valid third party insurance coverage.
Police had during a one-week sensitization programme in Awka warned that drivers of private and public vehicles who are not complying to the third party insurance policy would face prosecution in mobile courts, and that defaulters could be imprisoned or fined.
Speaking to newsmen during the joint operation at the Amawbia axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the Anambra Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps, Joyce Alexander, represented by a Deputy Corps Commander, Gloria Ezugwu, explained that the enforcement will continue; as adequate awareness had been created, adding that the insurance policy is in the interest of the vehicle owners and drivers; as it provides financial compensation up to one million naira for damages, injuries or loss of life in accidents.
A truck driver, Mr Anthony Chukwuemeka, who spoke after he paid fine imposed on him by the court, said he was not aware of the third party insurance policy for vehicles, and would hurry to a vehicle licensing office and get his.