The acquisition of vehicle number plates in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, has been marred by allegations of delays, scarcity, and unofficial payments. Motorists who are willing to pay extra are sometimes given preferential treatment, while those relying on the official process are left waiting for more than three months. This has led to frustration and outrage among vehicle owners and dealers.
Some applicants have reported paying between N50,000 and N55,000 for a number plate, only to be asked for an additional N50,000 for a "VIP" arrangement. Others have claimed that some motorists who had completed payment were still waiting for their number plates, with additional charges allegedly demanded afterwards. These allegations have raised concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the number plate allocation process.
A licensing officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that number plates that previously took a day or two to obtain were now taking more than three months. The officer claimed that some applicants were being offered plates at significantly higher prices, describing the arrangement as a "premium" service. This has led to accusations of racketeering and corruption within the system.
A staff member of the Osun State licensing office also complained that Abuja number plates, which previously took about three to four days to process, could now take up to two months. The official said the delay was affecting customers who were subsequently stopped by law enforcement officers for driving without valid identification documents. This has caused inconvenience and financial losses for many motorists.
An Abuja-based car dealer, Olayinka, said he paid N350,000 for dealer plates for one of his companies but had yet to receive them after two months. He alleged that plates that ordinarily cost between N80,000 and N90,000 were being offered for about N180,000 through what he described as the black market. This has raised concerns about the extent of the racketeering and the involvement of unauthorized dealers.
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), has admitted that complaints over the scarcity and prolonged delays in obtaining vehicle number plates in Abuja are "not very far from the truth". The agency attributed the situation to limited supply, network challenges, and the digital allocation system. However, critics argue that this does not excuse the alleged racketeering and corruption within the system.
Motorists and dealers are calling on the Federal Government and the FCT authorities to investigate the alleged racketeering, address the supply shortage, and publish clear information on the official cost, processing time, and approved payment channels for vehicle number plates. They are also demanding clarification on whether any legitimate VIP or premium number plate service exists and, if so, the legal basis and approved charges for such a service.
Key points
- The Abuja number plate crisis has led to allegations of racketeering, corruption, and unofficial payments within the vehicle number plate allocation system.
- Motorists and dealers are demanding an investigation into the alleged racketeering and clarification on the official cost and processing time for vehicle number plates.
- The crisis has caused inconvenience and financial losses for many motorists, who risk harassment or enforcement action while waiting for plates they have already paid for.
