By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has explained that the dispatch of motor vehicle number plates to registration authorities is distinct from the administrative process of issuing them to applicants, amid concerns over delays in the collection of number plates by motorists.
The Corps said it dispatched a total of 19,560 pairs of motor vehicle number plates to the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in October 2026, reaffirming its commitment to efficient vehicle registration services.
According to an official statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the dispatches were made in two batches on October 8 and 20, covering private, commercial, dealer, articulated vehicle and other categories of number plates.
The statement disclosed that the first batch of 15,205 pairs was delivered on October 8, comprising 15,169 pairs of private vehicle number plates, 32 pairs of private fancy plates and four pairs of out-of-series plates.
It added that the second batch of 4,355 pairs was dispatched on October 20, comprising 1,998 pairs of private vehicle plates, 999 pairs of commercial vehicle plates, eight pairs of city government plates, 900 pairs of dealer plates and 450 pairs of articulated vehicle plates.
The Corps explained that the release of the figures was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and accurate public information on the production and distribution of vehicle number plates.
It stressed that the availability of number plates at the point of dispatch did not automatically translate to immediate issuance to applicants, noting that the latter involved administrative processes handled by the relevant registration authorities.
While acknowledging that some motorists might experience delays in obtaining their number plates after completing the necessary registration procedures, the FRSC assured Nigerians of its commitment to supporting a seamless and efficient vehicle registration system.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, according to the statement, reiterated the Corps’ determination to strengthen collaboration with relevant government agencies, including State Motor Licensing Authorities, to address operational bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
He also emphasised the need for effective coordination among the institutions responsible for different stages of vehicle registration to ensure that motorists receive their number plates within reasonable timelines.
The FRSC therefore advised members of the public experiencing delays in collecting their number plates to seek clarification from the appropriate registration authorities.
It assured Nigerians that it would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to promote greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in the vehicle registration process.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring proper vehicle identification and strengthening road safety through effective regulation, reliable registration systems and sustained institutional collaboration in the interest of the motoring public.
