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Appeal Court Ruling on VIO Limited to Abuja, Not Lagos — LASG
Appeal Court Ruling on VIO Limited to Abuja, Not Lagos — LASG
The Lagos State Government has dismissed widespread claims that a recent Court of Appeal judgment has stripped Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) of their powers across Nigeria, insisting that the ruling applies strictly to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The clarification follows public reactions to a decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court restraining Vehicle Inspection Officers and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines.
The judgment triggered viral interpretations suggesting that VIO operations had been outlawed nationwide.
However, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, described such interpretations as legally inaccurate and misleading.
Basis of the Court Decision
According to Pedro, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal premised their decisions on the absence of statutory authority empowering VIO officials in the FCT to stop, impound, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists.
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“It is important to understand that the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja,” he stated.
He noted that the courts did not declare vehicle inspection enforcement unconstitutional in Nigeria, but rather ruled specifically on the legal framework governing the FCT authorities involved in the suit.
Why Lagos Is Different
The Lagos government stressed that Nigeria’s federal structure allows states to legislate on residual matters such as road traffic management and vehicle inspection.
Pedro explained that Lagos operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which expressly establishes and empowers the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
Section 12(1) of the law authorises the VIS to:
Inspect and regulate the roadworthiness of vehicles
Conduct pre-registration inspections
Issue Road Worthiness Certificates
Collaborate with other relevant agencies to enforce traffic laws
In addition, Section 23(1) provides for penalties against offenders, subject to adjudication before mobile or magistrate courts, ensuring judicial oversight.
Not of Nationwide Effect
While acknowledging that the appellate decision is binding within the FCT, the Lagos government emphasised that it does not have automatic nationwide application.
“The judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the ministry stated.
The state government stressed that VIS officers in Lagos remain legally empowered to carry out enforcement duties under extant state laws.
Wider Implications
The controversy underscores ongoing debates over traffic enforcement powers in Nigeria, particularly the constitutional boundaries between federal and state authorities.
Legal analysts note that unless the Supreme Court delivers a broader pronouncement on the issue, enforcement powers will continue to depend largely on the specific statutory framework establishing such agencies in each jurisdiction.
For now, Lagos authorities insist that vehicle inspection and traffic enforcement operations in the state remain valid and legally grounded.
Appeal Court Ruling on VIO Limited to Abuja, Not Lagos — LASG
Auto
Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
Jetour Nigeria is taking its hybrid SUV offensive to Abuja, with the X70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline the three-day Jetour Experience from September 22 to 24 as the automaker accelerates its drive to expand its footprint and capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-evolving mobility market.
The Abuja showcase, coming on the heels of a strong Lagos edition that generated significant consumer interest, test drives and sales enquiries, is designed to bring Jetour’s latest technologies closer to customers in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.
The event at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, will give prospective buyers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to test-drive the X70 PHEV and other Jetour models while interacting with product specialists and experiencing their technology, safety features, performance and comfort firsthand.
According to the company, expanding the showcase to the Federal Capital Territory was a direct response to rising demand from residents in Abuja and neighbouring states.
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To bolster buyer confidence, Jetour Nigeria—the country’s sole authorised distributor—backs the X70 PHEV with a five-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty.
The distributor operates through an accredited nationwide dealer network, including: Elizade Nigeria Limited,
New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Autos.
The X70 PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 19.43kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission. Designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency, the vehicle supports fast, slow, engine, and regenerative braking charging options—reducing reliance on external charging infrastructure.
Jetour’s rapid growth in the Nigerian market has earned both private and corporate patronage, driven by competitive pricing, high specification levels, and an expanding service footprint. The brand was named “Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year” at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards.
With the X70 PHEV leading the Abuja showcase, Jetour aims to deepen customer engagement and consolidate its position in the local automotive market.
Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
Auto
X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share
X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share
Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium SUV battle to Abuja, with the seven-seater X90 Plus set to headline the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, as the automaker moves to capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-growing high-end family SUV market.
The three-day motoring showcase will give prospective buyers, families and auto enthusiasts in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to experience the X90 Plus and other models in the Jetour range through test drives and hands-on demonstrations.
The Abuja showcase follows the success of the brand’s earlier Jetour Experience in Lagos, where strong customer interest, inquiries and sales momentum reportedly encouraged the company to take the initiative to the Federal Capital Territory.
Jetour Nigeria said growing demand from customers in Abuja and neighbouring states was a major factor behind the decision to expand the experience to the northern market.
Positioned as a full-sized family SUV, the X90 Plus is designed for executives and families seeking a combination of space, technology, performance and comfort without the price tag associated with some luxury SUVs.
The model is offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain produces up to 254 horsepower and 390Nm of torque.
Inside the cabin, the X90 Plus features a 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Sony premium audio system and wireless charging.
Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and electronic stability systems.
Jetour’s growing profile in Nigeria has also earned the brand recognition from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which named it Fastest Growing Auto Brand, while it was also recognised as Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture.
To support its expanding customer base, Jetour Nigeria, the sole authorised distributor, operates through seven accredited dealer partners across the country: Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Tab Autos Limited and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.
The Abuja Experience is expected to provide Jetour with another platform to engage potential customers and reinforce its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.
Auto
Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
Motorists in Abuja are set for a close encounter with Jetour’s award-winning Dashing and other models as Jetour Nigeria moves to deepen its foothold in the nation’s capital with the Jetour Experience Abuja, beginning September 22.
The three-day motoring event, which runs until September 24, is expected to draw prospective buyers and automobile enthusiasts to a hands-on experience featuring test drives, product demonstrations and direct engagement with Jetour’s seven authorised dealers and product specialists.
The participating dealer network comprises Elizade Nigeria Limited, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.
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The Abuja Experience follows the success of the Lagos edition, which attracted thousands of visitors for test drives and direct engagement with product specialists. According to the organisers, strong demand and inquiries from motorists in Abuja and neighbouring states prompted the expansion of the event to the Federal Capital Territory.
The Dashing has gained attention in Nigeria’s competitive compact SUV segment for its combination of modern styling, technology, performance and competitive pricing.
The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, producing up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
Its features include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone integration.
For safety, the vehicle comes with a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and multiple airbags.
Beyond vehicle sales, the authorised dealers provide warranty, genuine spare parts and after-sales support to Jetour customers across their respective locations.
The Abuja Experience is expected to strengthen customer engagement and give motorists in the FCT a closer look at Jetour’s growing range of vehicles, while further expanding the brand’s footprint in the northern market.
Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
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