Vehicle owners in Nigeria are now required to pay an annual fee of N1,000 for the verification of Proof of Ownership Certificates (POC) introduced by the Nigerian Government.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Transportation, disclosed that vehicle owners will be required to obtain a Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC). This certificate aims to ensure the credibility of vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database, as well as facilitate the tracking of car theft and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

Furthermore, Toriola highlighted several additional advantages, such as the ability to easily verify motor vehicle documents across different states, ensuring the safety and security of vehicles and their owners, and enhancing the National Vehicle database for national security purposes, planning, and economic development.

According to Toriola, the collection of the Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) fee from motorists in Lagos State will begin in July 2023.

Toriola stated that the Federal Government has implemented the issuance of an annual Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered vehicles. This certificate will serve as an authorized document confirming the legal ownership of a vehicle upon the completion of the required procedures and fulfillment of necessary criteria.

The Proof of Ownership Certificate will include essential information such as the vehicle's registration particulars (including license plate number, model, and year of manufacture), as well as the owner's name and address.

According to him, this initiative aligns with the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, as amended, No. 101, Vol. 99, specifically Section 73-(1), which mandates the requirement of a Proof of Ownership Certificate for all registered vehicles. Additionally, Section 73-(1-6) stipulates that the commission should establish and maintain a centralized database for vehicles and drivers across the federation.