Motorists in Abuja are raising concerns over prolonged delays in obtaining vehicle number plates, with some applicants alleging unofficial payments, additional charges and preferential treatment in the allocation process.
According to complaints reported in Abuja, some motorists who followed the official registration process have waited for more than three months for their plates, while others alleged that faster access was offered to applicants willing to pay additional money. The allegations could not be independently verified.
One applicant, Chinedu Okafor, alleged that he paid between N50,000 and N55,000 for a number plate after being told it would be available within two weeks. He later said he was asked for another N50,000 for what was described as a “VIP” arrangement. Other applicants also reported delays after completing their payments.
An Abuja-based car dealer similarly alleged that he paid N350,000 for dealer plates but was still waiting two months later. He claimed that plates ordinarily costing between N80,000 and N90,000 were being offered for about N180,000 through an alleged black-market arrangement. These claims remain subject to investigation.
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), popularly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), acknowledged that complaints about scarcity and delays were “not very far from the truth.” Its spokesperson, Kalu Emetu, attributed the difficulties to limited supplies, network problems and challenges associated with the digital allocation system.
The controversy is significant because vehicle owners waiting for plates may face difficulties during enforcement operations. In June 2026, the Nigeria Police Force ordered nationwide enforcement against vehicles without approved registration plates, warning that offending vehicles could be stopped and impounded.
Motorists and dealers are calling for greater transparency, including clear information on official charges, processing timelines and approved payment channels. DRTS previously warned residents against dealing with touts and impersonators during periods of number-plate scarcity.
The DRTS operates an online vehicle-registration platform, while official vehicle-registration charges are published through government channels. The continuing complaints have therefore increased calls for authorities to address supply constraints and ensure that Abuja motorists can obtain number plates through a transparent and predictable process.
