Abuja number plate crisis: Months of delays, alleged racketeering, extra fees spark outrcy
Complaints Emerge Over Delays and Costs in Abuja Vehicle Number Plate Acquisition
Abuja, Nigeria — Allegations of delays, scarcity, and unofficial payments have surfaced in the process of acquiring vehicle number plates in the Federal Capital Territory.
Several applicants reported to DAILY POST that motorists willing to pay extra fees have received preferential treatment, while those following official procedures face extended waiting periods. One applicant, Chinedu Okafor, claimed he was charged between 50,000 and 55,000 naira for a number plate, based on an assurance it would be ready within two weeks. However, he later received a request for an additional 50,000 naira for what was described as a “VIP” arrangement.
Another applicant, Blessing Eze, noted that even those who had completed their payments were still awaiting their number plates, with additional charges being requested.
A licensing officer, who requested anonymity, expressed that the processing time for number plates has significantly increased, now taking more than three months, compared to just one or two days previously. The officer alleged that some applicants were being offered plates at higher prices under the guise of a “premium” service.
“We normally paid about 70,000 naira, including insurance, for a private car, but after weeks of waiting, we’re informed that the cost has risen to over 100,000 naira,” the officer reported.
An employee from Osun State’s licensing office corroborated these claims, stating that number plates that once took three to four days to process are now requiring up to two months, creating issues for customers who risk being stopped by law enforcement for lacking valid identification documentation.
Car dealer Olayinka shared his experience of paying 350,000 naira for dealer plates but still not receiving them after two months. He alleged that plates typically costing between 80,000 and 90,000 naira are now being offered for as much as 180,000 naira on the black market.
The validity of these allegations could not be independently confirmed. However, a reporter from DAILY POST tested the process by making a payment for an FCT number plate through the involved staff, only to find that after more than a month, the number plate and necessary documents were still unavailable.
The controversy has intensified concerns among vehicle owners, who fear the risk of harassment or enforcement actions while awaiting their paid-for plates. Motorists and dealers are urging the Federal Government and the FCT authorities to investigate these claims of racketeering, address the apparent supply shortage, and provide clear information regarding official costs, processing times, and authorized payment channels.
Additionally, they seek clarification on the existence of any legitimate VIP or premium number plate service, including its legal basis and approved charges.
In response to public complaints, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), acknowledged that the concerns regarding scarcity and prolonged delays are “not far from the truth.” The agency attributed the situation to a limited supply of plates, network challenges, and issues with the digital allocation system.
Kalu Emetu, the agency’s spokesperson, explained that approximately 80 percent of operations have moved online, relying on a self-service portal along with other platforms. He noted that the digital system has led to complications, particularly for applicants outside Nigeria, who may have faster internet access and can secure plates more readily than those within the country.
Emetu emphasized the VIO’s struggles, stating that the agency is not receiving the number of plates it requests from its printing facility. This shortage has given rise to suspicions among applicants regarding the potential misappropriation of funds or plate availability.
“The little number of plates we receive cannot meet the demands of all applicants, leading to significant pressure on the system,” he said.
