The Niger State House of Assembly NSHA has taken a significant step towards addressing the rising issue of fake vehicle and motorcycle number plates, registration documents, and related materials in the state. Hon. Yakubu Abdulmalik Bala presented a motion during plenary on Tuesday, highlighting the alarming proliferation of counterfeit documents and its implications on security, revenue generation, and public trust.
According to Hon. Bala, the prolonged unavailability of genuine number plates and vehicle documents from relevant authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has created a void exploited by counterfeiters. This development has hindered law enforcement agencies’ ability to track vehicles involved in criminal activities such as armed robbery and kidnapping.
He said that fake documents have also resulted in significant revenue losses for the state government, as funds meant for legitimate vehicle registration services are being diverted to illegal operators. Furthermore, innocent motorists and motorcycle riders have faced frequent harassment from security personnel, leading to public disaffection.
After deliberation, the Niger State House of Assembly referred the motion to the Standing Committee on Transport to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Transport, and Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, to investigate the causes and proffer solutions to the proliferation of fake vehicle documents.
The committee’s objective is to enhance the integrity of vehicle registration processes, ensure public safety, and protect the state’s revenue. This development is expected to bring relief to motorists and stakeholders, promoting a more secure and efficient transportation system in Niger State.
