For many drivers in Lagos, renewing a vehicle’s road-worthiness certificate has become more stressful than it should be. What used to be a simple yearly process is now often filled with long waits, delays, and technical issues at Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service centres.
As the government pushes its strict inspection policy, the system meant to support it is beginning to feel overwhelmed.
How the Policy Changed
A few years ago, motorists could pay for their certificate and receive it immediately, then visit an inspection centre later.
That approach has now been replaced with a stricter rule. Vehicles must pass a full physical and computer-based inspection before a certificate is issued. The aim is to remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and reduce accidents caused by mechanical faults.
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Where the Challenges Lie
While the idea is good, many residents say the process is frustrating.
- Appointments don’t match reality: Even after booking online, drivers often arrive at centres like Ojodu, Ikorodu, or Anthony and meet long, disorganized queues.
- Frequent system issues: Many complain about server downtime, which can stop the entire inspection process for hours.
- Too few centres: With millions of vehicles in Lagos, the available inspection centres are not enough to handle the daily demand.
The Hidden Costs
Beyond the official fees, drivers are also losing valuable time.
- Many people spend an entire day just to complete a short inspection.
- The delays have created room for agents who promise to speed up the process for extra money, raising concerns about transparency.
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Government Response
Authorities, including the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, say the system is designed to handle demand, but they admit that peak periods can be overwhelming.
Plans are underway to ease the pressure by adding mobile inspection units and working with private centres to spread the workload.
Tips to Make It Easier
If your certificate is due, a few simple steps may help reduce stress:
- Go midweek, especially Tuesday or Wednesday mornings
- Try less busy locations like Epe or Badagry
- Check your vehicle basics such as lights, fire extinguisher, and warning signs before going
The Bottom Line
The inspection system is important for road safety, but the experience needs improvement. Until the process becomes faster and more efficient, many Lagos drivers will continue to see road-worthiness checks as a major inconvenience rather than a routine task.
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