Suddenly, there is so much talk in town about Third Party Motor Insurance enforcement. The Nigeria Police Force is shouting about enforcement, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is also making various announcements.
In Ogun State, the Police Command commenced the enforcement of third-party motor insurance across the state, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The enforcement exercise was led by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, who monitored the compliance level among motorists in areas such as Oke Ilewo, Ibara, Panseke, Olomore, and the OPIC roundabout in Abeokuta.
The Police Command in Kaduna State also said it has begun the enforcement of Third Party Insurance Policy. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, announced this in a statement issued in Kaduna. Hassan said that the enforcement was in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police.
According to the NAICOM, it “welcomes the announcement by the Nigeria Police Force that with effect of 1st February, 2025, there will be a nationwide enforcement of the Third Party Motor Insurance for all vehicles on Nigerian roads. This move aims to ensure compliance with Section 68 of the Nigerian Insurance Act 2003”.
While listing the benefits of the insurance policy, the Commission also said “a complaints bureau is also in place at the National Insurance Commission for resolving all complaints that may emanate from members of the public…”
However, neither NAICOM nor the insurance companies have given premium to the importance of educating the motoring public on ‘How to make claims with the Third party insurance’.
Many motorists buy the insurance policy because they are compelled to, and do not know how to make claims.
NAICOM needs to educate motorists in simple terms on the procedures involved in making claims. NAICOM also should make the complaints bureau easily accessible to motorists nationwide.
