The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Task Force, has denied stopping the driver of a Toyota Tacoma over an inscription on the vehicle or demanding a permit for the marking. This denial follows a video posted on Facebook by Jay Scotch Automobile Ltd, in which the motorist recounted an encounter with officials who allegedly stopped him and demanded a permit for the “TRD 4×4 Sport Tacoma” inscription on his vehicle.
In the video, the motorist explained that the inscription was not added to the vehicle as an advertisement but came with the vehicle when it was purchased in the United States. He alleged that the officials threatened to damage his side mirror if he failed to provide the permit. The motorist questioned the demand, asking why he would need a permit for the inscription.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Lagos State Task Force, Raheem Gbadeyanka, responded to an inquiry about the incident, saying the agency was not responsible for it. Gbadeyanka explained that residents often mistake officers from different government agencies for Task Force operatives, particularly when they see officers wearing camouflage uniforms.
Gbadeyanka also stated that the Task Force no longer enforces traffic-related offences following a directive from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. He added that requesting permits for vehicle inscriptions was outside the agency’s mandate. According to him, Task Force operatives could not stop vehicles for traffic offences under the leadership of the agency’s chairman, CSP Adebayo Akerele.
The incident touches on Lagos State’s regulation of branded vehicles. The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has previously stated that its Mobile Advert Permit applies to branded vehicles operating in the state. This permit is issued to owners or users of branded vehicles, including cars, buses, pick-ups and trucks, and is valid from January to December, subject to annual renewal.
In 2023, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency said the mobile advert permit was introduced to regulate branded vehicles, with enforcement teams deployed across Lagos to ensure compliance. However, the Task Force maintained that its operatives were not involved in the incident and that requesting a permit for an inscription on a vehicle was not within its mandate.
The Lagos State Task Force has urged residents to be aware of the different government agencies and their roles to avoid confusion. The agency has also reiterated its commitment to performing its duties within its mandate. The incident has highlighted the need for clarity on the regulations and enforcement of vehicle inscriptions and branding in Lagos State.
Key points
- The Lagos State Task Force denies involvement in stopping a driver over a vehicle inscription.
- The agency says it no longer enforces traffic-related offences.
- The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency regulates branded vehicles with a Mobile Advert Permit.
