The controversy surrounding the introduction of new number plates/driving licence continued on Monday as the Federal Road Safety Corps and other stakeholders disagreed over the relevance of the scheme.
The FRSC insisted that the new scheme had modern security features and would enhance safe motoring, with the introduction of owner’s bio-data and traceable identification marks.
The National Association of Road Transport Owners, the Justice and Law Enforcement Reformation Organisation and other stakeholders, however, opposed the scheme on the grounds that it was an “unnecessary” burden on Nigerians.
The FRSC and other stakeholders in road transport management had appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on FRSC in Abuja.
The committee, which is headed by Mr. Nasiru Sani, has the mandate of the House to conduct an “investigative hearing on the planned phasing out of the old vehicle number plates and driver’s licence”.
The Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, told the committee the security and safety advantages of the scheme outweighed the reservations being expressed by some people.
“We are not imposing any additional costs on Nigerians, when compared with the security and safety gains of this scheme,” he added.
He informed the committee that it took the FRSC four years to get the scheme in place, having realised that the old one had been rendered useless.
Chidoka stated that the scheme was discussed with the Joint Tax Board, which recommended the appropriate cost.
He added that the National Economic Council and the Federal Executive Council both approved it before the commission opened the scheme, having certified that it was good for the country.
“The policy before us is no longer the policy of the FRSC, but the policy of the Federal Government, which approved it through FEC,” he stated.
Chidoka said the FRSC had already replaced all the equipment used in producing the old number plates and licences, following the introduction of the new scheme.
The Chairman of the Joint Tax Board, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, confirmed that there was an elaborate discussion on the issue involving the 36 states before the scheme was endorsed.
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Scam.....are these the prices they go for out there?
ReplyDeletecrazy FRSC! what's the advantages therein? Just to make more money for yourself and the Government at the detriment of the Nigerian PPle. God punish you Osita Chidoka.
ReplyDeleteActually, I have no problem with introducing new drivers license, but owners of the old ones should not be made to obtain the new one until the one they have has expired.
ReplyDeleteAs for the new number plate, owners of already registered vehicles should get it at a token (a highly discounted price). We should not be compelled to pay for the inefficiency of the system.
It is not even available at the touted N15,000 for cars. I was told to pay N25,000 to have the one for my car changed.
I feel Nigerians needs all the security features Osita is saying but casting back in 1998/99 when the old plate was introduced same features were mentioned. What happened to them I dont know? why should we pay 35 to 40 thousand naira documentation of a vehicle? why is it that there was no fixed price across the state?
ReplyDeleteExtortion of the masses.If not,it should go for the same prices people are paying before.Don't mind all of them,that is another means of eating money!Thiefs!
ReplyDeleteIf the old ones (plate numbers) lack the so called security features, let the owners come and supply the necessary details just as we did for SIM registration at designated centres. To me, there is no reasonable difference between the new plate numbers and the so called old ones. FRSC and the government officials in-charge or involved should realize that once a plate number is issused for a car, it is for the entire life span of that car. Not to talk of our country where the plate number is engraved on all the car external accessories such as windscreens, bumper, lights, mirrors even including the wheels in the name of security.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this Country Nigeria is laughable...u never know what you'll wake up to the next day. Funny citizens, Funny leaders. I Just Can't Laugh
ReplyDelete*sniff* i smell a rat. anyone remembers the reflective stickers that was also imposed on Nigerians? *smh for this country
ReplyDeleteI had expected the chairman to ask mr Osita what made the older number plate security useless going by his statement."He informed the committee that it took the FRSC four years to get the scheme in place, having realised that the old one had been rendered useless".Was it not thesame FRSC that brought the older one in the first place?Didn't they consider the security issues in the first instance?Look how confidence he was thinking he can use english to confuse us.God will frustrate them.every of their evil plans to reap us will not work.We are praying
ReplyDeleteThe inefficiency and ineffectiveness of our policy maker is being unfolded here. What is the problem with the former plate number? another avenue for fraud because this idea has been initiated by someone to enrich themselves(Contract). i was reliable told by an officer of FRSC that the scheme is like an avenue to make life more difficult for Nigerians because the plate number if acquired is not useful for a new car should you decide to sell the old car and buy a new one neither is it useful for whosoever buy that car for it has been registered with your name. so tell me what is the after use if not wastage? The new Plate number is beautiful but the cost of acquisition ranges between 30 to 35 thousand. Where are we going in this country?/??????/// Nigerians should not in any way accept such pain infiltration avenue except the cost is reduced and the after use is reconsidered.
ReplyDelete