Legal Battle Over Vehicle Ownership Certificate Levy Extended To March 4

Legal Battle Over Vehicle Ownership Certificate Levy Extended To March 4

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a significant lawsuit challenging the annual fee for vehicle ownership certificates until March 4, 2024…..CONTINUE READING

The lawsuit, filed by the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, contests the imposition of a yearly fee for the verification of Proof of Ownership certificates, initiated by the Federal Government in June 2023.

The legal challenge, filed against the Joint Tax Board, Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government, questions the legality of the policy and argues that it lacks proper legal backing. The plaintiffs, including the chairman of NBA Spidel John Aikpokpo-Martins, the secretary Funmi Adeogun, and a member of the Governing Council of NBA-SPIDEL Francis Ogunbowale, claim that the policy subjects vehicle owners to multiple taxation and is, therefore, illegal.

The lawsuit seeks a court order preventing the defendants from harassing or interfering with the freedom of movement of Nigerians who use their vehicles throughout the country due to non-payment and the expiration of proof of ownership certificates.

During the preliminary hearing on Monday, the court verified that the originating processes and proof of services had been duly served to each defendant in the case. While the first and second defendants were not represented in court, Godspower Eroga and Vincent Adodo defended the NBA-SPIDEL.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the imposition of fees related to vehicle ownership certificates and may shape the future policies surrounding such levies in the country.