FG levies motorists N1,000 yearly for proof of ownership certificate

The Federal Government has introduced an annual fee of N1,000 to be paid by motorists in the country for Proof of Ownership Certificate verification.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, Abdulhafiz Toriola, made this known on Tuesday.

Toriola disclosed that the certificate would help vehicle owners and the government guarantee the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme database and track car theft and recovery of stolen vehicles.

Toriola said, “The annual Proof of Ownership Certificate is in line with compliance with legal requirements fundamental to transparency, security, and accountability within the transportation network.

“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.

“The POC will contain vital information, including the vehicle’s registration details, such as license number plate, model, year of manufacture, in addition to the owner’s name and address.

“Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring the 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 May 9, 2023, adopted and made a resolution that proof of ownership be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide.”

According to Toriola, Lagos State will commence the collection of the fee for POC from motorists beginning in July 2023.