The House of Representatives has resolved to establish an ad hoc committee tasked with investigating operational challenges related to the issuance of driver’s licences, as well as the generation and management of related revenues over the past three years.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion presented by Representative Victor Ogene (APC-Bayelsa) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
In his motion, Rep. Ogene outlined a collaborative framework involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Boards of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) that governs the digital issuance and renewal of driver’s licences.
He noted that the final approval and signature on a driver’s licence typically come from an authorized officer within the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) of the state where the application was made.
Ogene further explained that a learner’s permit—required before obtaining a full driver’s licence—is issued by the MVAA in the relevant state at a prescribed fee.
He raised concerns about the FRSC’s operation of a Very Important Person (VIP) centre, which ostensibly facilitates licence renewals but is reportedly being used to issue new driver’s licences without prior learner’s permits.
According to the representative, the Joint Tax Board updated the fees for driver’s licences effective November 1, 2024, setting the cost for a five-year vehicle licence at N21,000 and a three-year vehicle licence at N15,000. For motorcycles and tricycles, the fees were set at N11,000 and N7,000, respectively.
Ogene alleged that the FRSC’s Information Processing Centre is responsible for storing driver licence data but is withholding revenue from the state BIRs and VIOs, thereby shortchanging these agencies in the collection and utilization of licence fees.
He expressed concern that the FRSC is reportedly controlling and receiving payments for driver’s licence fees, which collectively amount to hundreds of billions of naira annually, yet these revenues remain unaccounted for by the VIO and state revenue boards.
He also highlighted a troubling delay of two to three years in the issuance of driver’s licences after biometric data capture, attributing this lag to unpaid debts owed by the FRSC to Galaxy Backbone Ltd. and other technology consultants responsible for maintaining the biometric systems. These financial issues have reportedly caused system slowdowns, further delaying licence processing.
Ogene emphasized the need to clarify which public agency holds the legal authority and responsibility for designing, producing, and issuing driver’s licences.
In response, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, directed that once formed, the committee should conclude its investigation and present a report within four weeks to guide subsequent legislative action.