The National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation, also known as Vehicle Inspection Officers, has clarified that the recent court judgement restricting the powers of the Federal Capital Territory’s Directorate of Road Traffic Services applies solely to Abuja.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Chairman, Durojaye Babawale Olalekan, the group said the ruling had been widely misunderstood by the public.
It noted that the judgement of the FCT High Court — upheld by the Court of Appeal — only bars the FCT DRTS from impounding vehicles or imposing fines under the territory’s transport regulations.
The organisation stressed that the ruling has no bearing on the operations or enforcement powers of Vehicle Inspection Officers and Motor Vehicle Administration authorities in any other state.
According to the statement, motor vehicle administration — including vehicle registration, licensing, inspection, driver testing, traffic monitoring and enforcement — remains a residual constitutional matter.
This, it explained, gives state governments the authority to enact and enforce laws guiding road traffic administration within their territories.
CDCROF described claims suggesting that the judgement has nationwide implications as “incorrect, misleading, and legally unfounded.”
While noting that the FCT Administration is reviewing the judgement, the group emphasised that it affects only the activities of DRTS officials within Abuja.
It urged the media, stakeholders and the general public to avoid misrepresentation of the ruling, warning that inaccurate commentary could cause confusion and disrupt legitimate traffic enforcement across states.
The conference reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state traffic agencies and ensuring safe and orderly road transport administration nationwide.