Getting your car towed by traffic agencies in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt is a stressful experience many drivers face. Whether it’s LASTMA in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory Traffic Management Agency in Abuja, or the Rivers State Traffic Management Agency in Port Harcourt, knowing the exact steps to follow can save you time, reduce costs, and help you recover your vehicle faster.The moment your car is towed, stay calm and avoid confrontations with the officers. Note the name and identification number of the officer, the exact reason for the tow, the time, and the location where it happened. Ask for an official towing receipt or impoundment note. This document is your most important tool for recovery.
Step 1: Confirm Where Your Car Was Taken
In Lagos, LASTMA usually tows vehicles to their designated yards in places like Oshodi, Alausa, or Area G. Call the LASTMA hotline (08100000021 or 07000000252) with your vehicle registration number to know the exact location.
In Abuja, towed vehicles are typically moved to the FCDA or VIO impound lots. Contact the FCT Transport Secretariat or FRSC office for confirmation.
In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Traffic Management Agency handles most tows. Their offices or hotlines can direct you to the correct yard.
Step 2: Gather Required DocumentsYou will generally need:
Your valid Driver’s LicenceVehicle Registration CertificateProof of Ownership (custom papers for tokunbo cars)Valid Insurance CertificateThe towing receiptTwo passport photographs (sometimes required)
Step 3: Pay the Required Fines and Fees
Fines vary by city and offence. In Lagos, LASTMA fines for common violations range from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, plus towing fees of ₦10,000–₦15,000 and daily storage charges after the first 24 hours. Abuja and Port Harcourt have similar structures, though amounts may be slightly lower. Always pay through official bank channels or approved payment platforms. Never pay cash to officers on the roadside.
Step 4: Visit the Impounding Office
Go to the designated office with all documents and proof of payment. In most cases, the process takes a few hours if your papers are complete. Some offices now allow partial online processing, which speeds things up. Be polite but firm. If you believe the tow was unjustified, you can politely request a review or later seek legal redress.
Important Tips
Act quickly. Storage fees increase daily and can become very expensive. Go during official working hours (usually 8am–4pm) to avoid delays. If your car has been towed on a weekend or public holiday, recovery may only be possible the next working day.Keep digital copies of all your vehicle documents on your phone at all times. This helps greatly during such incidents. Many drivers now use cloud storage for easy access.For prevention, always ensure your vehicle documents are up to date, avoid parking in restricted zones, and do not block traffic or drive with expired papers. Installing a car tracker can also help you know exactly where your vehicle is taken.
If you feel the towing was unlawful, document everything (photos, videos, officer details) and consider consulting a lawyer. Recent court judgments have favoured motorists in cases of wrongful impoundment, especially when proper procedure was not followed.
Recovering a towed vehicle in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt is manageable if you remain calm and follow official steps. By preparing your documents in advance and understanding the process, you can turn a stressful situation into a quick resolution. Staying compliant with traffic rules remains the best way to avoid these incidents entirely.