Licence
By Kazeem Akande/Augusta Uchediunor
Lagos, May 2, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised applicants to shun patronising touts either in mufti or in uniform in the process of procuring valid Drivers’ Licence.
Mr Hyginus Omeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Omeje said the corps did not determine the amount to be paid on drivers’ licence, adding that applicants should follow the normal procedure in order not to be cheated during the process.
“I want to categorically say that we are not charging more than the stipulated fees for drivers’ licence.
“FRSC does not fix the charges for the licence, applicants should desist from patronising touts in uniform or in mufti who hibernate around the licensing offices across the states,’’ he said.
The FRSC boss added that the cost of the drivers’ licence was determined and fixed by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) of all the 36 states in the country, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, the JTB is made up of all the boards of internal revenue of the 36 states.
“As at today, what they have fixed for drivers’ licence still remains N6,350 for a fresh applicant or renewal for 3 years, while N10, 450 charge is for five years renewal or for fresh applicants.
“These are the official charges for drivers’ licence as at today, so it’s not possible for FRSC to determine charges for the licence except the applicants patronised touts.
“In fact, we always have three parties involved in the production of the licence, the board of internal revenue, or state motor vehicle administration agency, the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) and the FRSC at the end of the process,’’ he noted.
Omeje also appealed to applicants not to include or add the money paid in driving school to the total cost of the drivers’ licence.
He added that some states VIOs charge testing fees with receipts, saying that all the additional fees were different from official charges for licence.
Omeje urged licence applicants to take the bull by the horn and face the procedure themselves rather patronising touts around the corners that inflate prices.
NAN reports that the Federal House of Representatives recently resolved to investigate the high cost of obtaining drivers’ licence and alleged absence of due process by the issuing authorities.
The House Committee on FRSC was consequently mandated to carry out the assignment.
This decision was raised upon the approval of a motion brought by Mr John Oghuma (APC, Edo) on the “need to address the excessive charges for drivers’ license by FRSC’’. (NAN)
AKA/ANU/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)