Lagos Task Force: Denies Vehicle Inscription Permit Demand

• The Lagos State Task Force denied stopping a driver over a vehicle inscription or demanding a permit, following a viral video.
• The driver claimed officials demanded a permit for his Toyota Tacoma's factory inscription and threatened him.
• The Task Force clarified that it no longer enforces traffic offenses and that requesting inscription permits is outside its mandate.
• The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is the correct authority for Mobile Advert Permits for branded vehicles.
• LASAA's Mobile Advert Permit applies to various branded vehicles, is valid from January to December, and requires annual renewal.

The Lagos State Task Force has explicitly stated that it does not enforce traffic offenses or demand permits for vehicle inscriptions.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, commonly known as the Lagos State Task Force, recently issued a denial regarding an incident involving a Toyota Tacoma driver. The denial came after a video surfaced on Facebook, posted by Jay Scotch Automobile Ltd, in which the motorist recounted being stopped by individuals he identified as Task Force officials. According to the driver, these officials allegedly demanded a permit for the vehicle's "TRD 44 Sport Tacoma" inscription, arguing it constituted an advertisement.

The motorist claimed the officials threatened to damage his side mirror if he failed to produce the required permit. He further explained that the inscription was not an advertisement he added, but rather an original feature of the vehicle when it was purchased in the United States. Questioning the demand, the driver expressed confusion over why a permit would be necessary for a factory-standard inscription.

In response to inquiries about the incident, Raheem Gbadeyanka, the Director of Press and Public Affairs for the Lagos State Task Force, stated on Saturday that the agency was not responsible for the alleged stop. This denial directly addresses the driver's claims, asserting that the reported actions do not align with the Task Force's operational procedures or mandate.

Gbadeyanka elaborated on the Task Force's position, suggesting that members of the public often misidentify officers from various government agencies as Task Force operatives, particularly when encountering individuals in camouflage uniforms. He highlighted a general lack of understanding among some residents regarding the distinct roles of different government bodies, leading to such confusions.

Crucially, Gbadeyanka clarified that the Lagos State Task Force no longer enforces traffic-related offenses. This change in operational scope follows a specific directive issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. Consequently, agency operatives have ceased making arrests for traffic infractions.

Furthermore, the Task Force's mandate does not include requesting permits for vehicle inscriptions. Gbadeyanka explicitly stated that such activities fall outside the agency's responsibilities. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chairman CSP Adebayo Akerele, Task Force operatives are strictly prohibited from stopping vehicles for traffic offenses, reinforcing the agency's revised focus and enforcement jurisdiction.

While the Lagos State Task Force denies involvement in vehicle inscription permit enforcement, the regulation of branded vehicles in Lagos State falls under the purview of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA). LASAA is the authority responsible for issuing Mobile Advert Permits, which are required for branded vehicles operating within the state.

Reports from November 2024 indicated that this permit is mandatory for owners or users of various branded vehicles, including cars, buses, pick-ups, and trucks. The LASAA Mobile Advert Permit is valid for a full calendar year, from January to December, and necessitates annual renewal to maintain compliance. The agency's official website further confirms this, listing "Car, Truck & Bike branding" as categories covered by its Mobile Branding Permit requirements.

The incident and subsequent clarification underscore the importance of understanding the correct enforcement jurisdiction for vehicle branding regulation in Lagos. Vehicle owners and compliance officers should note that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is the designated body for managing and issuing Mobile Advert Permits for vehicle inscriptions and branding.

Conversely, the Lagos State Task Force has explicitly stated that it does not enforce traffic offenses or demand permits for vehicle inscriptions. This clarification is vital for motorists to ensure they comply with the appropriate regulatory body, LASAA, for any vehicle branding requirements, while also being aware of the redefined mandate of the Task Force.

This article clarifies the enforcement jurisdiction for vehicle branding and mobile advertisement permits in Lagos, indicating that the Lagos State Task Force is not responsible for these, but rather LASAA. Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients to ensure compliance with LASAA's Mobile Advert Permit requirements, while being aware that the Task Force's mandate no longer includes traffic or inscription permit enforcement.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers