Nigerian Government Implements Annual Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) Fee for Motorists
In a recent development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new initiative that requires all motorists to pay an annual fee of N1,000 for the verification of the Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC).
PulseNets learnt, this move aims to streamline and strengthen the process of vehicle ownership verification in the country.
Commencing from July 2023, the collection of this fee will be administered by the Lagos State government.
During a joint press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, announced the implementation of this initiative.
The primary purpose of this initiative is to ensure 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 nation.
Toriola emphasized that the decision aims to enable real-time tracking and uphold the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.
“To achieve this, the Federal Government has introduced the issuance of an annual Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered vehicles.
“This certificate will serve as an official documentation of a vehicle’s legal ownership upon successful completion of the necessary requirements and procedures.
“The POC will contain crucial information, including the vehicle’s registration details such as license number plate, model, year of manufacture, as well as the owner’s name and address.
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“Taking into consideration the challenges faced in ensuring the promotion of safety and security of lives and property through the nationwide issuance of POC, the Joint Tax Board, in its communiqué issued at the end of the emergency meeting held on 9th May 2023, adopted and resolved that proof of ownership certificate (PoC) be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide,” he stated.
