Motorists in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, say they are facing prolonged delays in obtaining vehicle number plates, with some alleging that unofficial payments and additional charges are worsening the situation.
The complaints have centred on the Federal Capital Territory’s vehicle registration system, where motorists say they have waited weeks and, in some cases, months after completing the required payments and documentation.
Some vehicle owners told local media that they had been asked to pay additional sums through intermediaries in order to speed up the process, raising concerns about possible racketeering within the system. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The delays have created difficulties for motorists, particularly as driving without a valid registration number plate can expose vehicle owners to enforcement action.
The Nigeria Police Force has directed nationwide enforcement against vehicles operating without approved number plates, saying proper vehicle registration is important for public safety, security and crime prevention. (Police Nigeria)
The issue is not entirely new. Previous reports from Abuja documented complaints from motorists who said they had waited several weeks for number plates after making payments, with some comparing the delays with faster registration processes in neighbouring states. (Trust Radio)
The latest complaints have therefore intensified calls for the authorities responsible for vehicle registration in the FCT to explain the cause of the delays and address allegations of unofficial charges.
For many motorists, the frustration is compounded by the dilemma of having completed the registration process but remaining without the physical plate needed to demonstrate compliance.
The authorities have yet to publicly establish whether the allegations of racketeering are substantiated or announce specific measures to resolve the latest complaints.
Until the situation is addressed, motorists say they remain caught between the requirement to display valid number plates and a registration system they claim is failing to provide them within a reasonable period.
