The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Monday said the new database licence and number plate registration would help curb the menace of terrorism in the country.
It said the advanced security features on the new database licence and number plates were of “immeasurable value” and would help security agencies track suspects of stolen cars or those who used such cars for nefarious activities.
The FRSC recalled that suspects in 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja were identified and arrested because the car they used in carrying out the bombing had its latest security features on the number plate.
The corps, therefore, urged road users to embrace the new database licence and number plate registration in the country.
It also said the new licence would have global acceptance especially in the United States, “thus Nigerians would soon be able to use the licence in America”.
The Corps Marshal, Mr Osita Chidoka, made the call on Monday evening, in Enugu, while briefing journalists on the importance of the database.
Chidoka spoke through the Lagos Sector Commander, Mr. Chidi Ngwuta.
He said, “For the registration, you have to pay through the bank with the account number, which would be made available to the public at the designated banks.
“You are not expected to pay any money to any individual for licence and plate numbers. Besides, the exercise is now in progress and would end on September 30.
“The first stage is the payment at the bank, then capturing of your data while the final stage is verification and documentation at the FRSC offices”.
The corps marshal put the cost of procuring the driving licence at N6, 500 for vehicles and N3,000 for motorcycles, while the number plate would depend on the type of car in question.
Chidoka also made it clear that any driver, who was not issued with the vehicle Proof of Ownership certificate by the FRSC would be deemed not to have completed the registration.
He also urged members of the public to desist from driving with fake licences, warning that anybody in possession of such would be prosecuted.
