Scarcity of vehicle number plates hits FCT

The FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) has confirmed the scarcity of vehicle number plates in the nation’s capital. A statement by the Director of the Service, Abdulateef Bello, attributed the scarcity to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) plant. He, however, […]

The FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) has confirmed the scarcity of vehicle number plates in the nation’s capital.

A statement by the Director of the Service, Abdulateef Bello, attributed the scarcity to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) plant.

He, however, said efforts were ongoing to remedy the situation.

 

Vehicles’ owners lament issuance delay

Vehicle owners who applied for number plates for their vehicles are lamenting the delay in getting the number from the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS).

A cross-section of the vehicle owners told Abuja Metro that it now takes weeks, if not months, to get the number plates after making payment in the territory.

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One motorist, Mr Rasak Ajasa, said he paid for his number plates and other necessary documents a month ago but that the platesare yetto be issued.

“I really don’t know what is causing the delay. This is not so in other neighbouring states.

“My friend got his within a week in Nasarawa State. So what is happening in the FCT?’’ he asked.

Mrs Ifeoma John, a civil servant, told Abuja Metro that she paid as much as N90,000 through a vendor three weeks ago but she was yet to be given the number plates.

“You know the problem associated with driving a car without a number plate. You will be subjected to numerous security checks and demands,’’ she said.

A resident of Bwari, who gave his name as Ladan, said he paid for his number plates on March 7, but up till now, he had not been issued them.

He said, “I was arrested while driving the car to the city centre last week. The policemen on patrol stopped me and despite my explanation, something had to be done.’’

 

DRTS cautions vehicle owners against fraudsters  

Meanwhile, the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has warned the motoring public against the activities of fraudsters impersonating DRTS officials in an attempt to take advantage of the situation to exploit vehicle owners.

The directorate, in the statement, disassociated itself from the illegal activities and cautioned members of the public against dealing with any individual – staff or agent – who claimed to be in position of number plates outside what is uploaded in the DRTS self-service portal (https://selfservice.fctevreg.com).

‘’Moreover, in order to ensure transparency, the approved costs of number plates and related services are readily available on our official communication platforms, and particularly our website.

‘’The Directorate, therefore, encourages the public to stick to and insist on the stipulated prices.

‘’In collaboration with the security agencies, the directorate has intensified efforts to bring these impostors to justice. 

‘’We urge the public to report suspicious individuals or illegal activities to the management of the DRTS.

‘’The DRTS remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transparent, efficient and accountable services to the motoring public,’’ the statement read.