THE FEDERAL Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded 7,798 arrests in just two months as part of a nationwide crackdown on fake vehicle number plates, raising serious concerns over public safety and national security.
The Explainer gathered that the alarming trend prompted the House of Representatives Committee on FRSC to convene a crucial meeting in Abuja, where the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, briefed lawmakers on the scale of the problem and the urgent need for stricter enforcement.
The rise in fake number plates has sparked fears among security agencies, as unregistered or counterfeit plates hinder efforts to track vehicles involved in crimes. According to Mohammed, the FRSC’s investigations reveal that the illegal practice is not only a road safety issue but also a national security threat.
“FRSC’s statistics reveal a disturbing trend of number plate-related offences, with many motorists flouting the law by using fake or unauthorised number plates,” the Corps Marshal informed the committee.
He warned that such illegal plates make it difficult for law enforcement to identify vehicles involved in criminal activities, including robbery, smuggling, and hit-and-run incidents.
The Explainer gathered that the FRSC has intensified enforcement efforts despite resistance from offenders. The Corps Marshal confirmed that the agency remains committed to ensuring that all vehicles on Nigerian roads are properly registered through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Portal.
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“We are improving the NVIS Portal to ensure that no vehicle with fake registration is allowed to be driven on Nigerian roads,” Mohammed assured the lawmakers.
Despite facing opposition from some vehicle owners caught with counterfeit plates, the FRSC has vowed to sustain the clampdown. The agency is also calling for stiffer penalties against offenders to deter the use of fake number plates.
The House of Representatives Committee on FRSC has pledged full support for the Corps’ efforts. Honourable Abiodun Adesida, Chairman of the Committee, described the crackdown as a necessary step in restoring order on Nigerian roads.
“The National Assembly fully backs the FRSC’s actions against fake number plates. This initiative is in the interest of national security, and we will work towards strengthening existing laws to ensure offenders face appropriate sanctions,” Adesida stated.
The Explainer learned that the lawmakers are considering policy reforms that would tighten vehicle registration processes and impose harsher penalties on individuals or businesses involved in the production and distribution of fake plates.
To curb the spread of fake number plates, the FRSC is urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are registered through authorised channels. The Corps Marshal called on Nigerians to report any instances of counterfeit plates to the nearest FRSC Command.
“We urge the public to support the FRSC’s efforts by obtaining genuine number plates and reporting any suspicious activities related to fake registrations. This is a collective responsibility to ensure our roads remain safe,” Mohammed emphasised.
The Explainer gathered that the FRSC is working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle networks behind the illegal number plate trade.
