Lagos State Government (LASG) yesterday said it has commenced the implementation of the new “annual Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC)” to streamline and enhance the process of vehicle ownership verification in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, the state Ministry of Transportation, Abdulhafiz Toriola, made the disclosure at a press conference held on Tuesday.
He said the development is in line with compliance with legal requirements fundamental to transparency, security and accountability within the transportation network.
“We are about to take another bold step as a responsive Government aimed at continued promotion of Safety and Security of lives and properties in our Dear State.
“This initiative is in accordance with 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’. Section 73- (1-6) also added that ‘The commission shall establish and maintain a Central Database for Vehicles and drivers for the federation’.
“To this end, the Federal Government has introduced the issuance of an 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,” he said.
According to him, 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.
“This decision among other things is aimed at tracking the real time status and guarantees the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database,” he said.
“For effective security administration, the annual POC is specially printed and is connected with other vehicle documents in the state through the following benefits: “Statistics of vehicular population nation-wide can easily be obtained; Solution to minimization of car theft and recovery of stolen vehicles; Streamline the fulfillment of uniform licensing scheme mandate.
“State motor vehicle documents can easily be verified regardless of the issuing state; Safety and security of vehicles and their owners; Enhance National Vehicle database for national security; and For planning and economic development,” he added.
He said that the POC will help track the real time status and guarantee the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
“It is based on the safety and security it guarantees that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved for its commencement in Lagos State, hence this briefing to enlighten the public,” he said.
Also The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos, Corps Commander Babatunde Farinloye, represented by Deputy Corps Commander (DCC), Tajudeen Mafe, said the development would enhance security, well- being and development of the State.
He said the agency, in line with its role to regulate, enforce, and coordinate traffic management through robust databases, would mobilise its personnel for the implementation process.
