Vehicles’ owners in Nigeria are now to renew the Proof of Ownership Certificate of their cars annually against the former practice of holding a permanent Ownership Certificate.
The Federal Government announced this new policy in a communique issued recently by its Joint Tax Board, following an emergency meeting held recently.
Meanwhile, in line with this new policy, the Lagos State Government says it has commenced the annual renewal of Proof of Ownership Certificate for vehicles registered within the State.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola disclosed this on Tuesday at a news briefing in Alausa.
He noted that the briefing was meant to sensitize the public on the initiative, adding that the procedure is aimed at ensuring real-time tracking and maintaining the integrity of vehicles’ 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 also added that the renewal process will ensure national integration of data, explaining that 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 number plate, model, year of manufacture, in addition to owner’s name and address.
The Permanent Secretary said 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 procedure will aid in the minimization of car theft and recovery of stolen vehicles, getting vehicular population nation-wide, verification of vehicles documents regardless of issuing State, 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.
On his part, 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.
Also, General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA, Mrs. Lape Kilanko, represented by Mrs. Olabisi Olowolagba, said the initiative aligns with the Agency’s vision of gathering reliable and accurate database which will aid its operations.