Vehicle owners in Enugu State say they are apprehensive ahead of the August 15, 2025 deadline given by the state revenue agency for the arrest of vehicles with fake plate numbers.
The enforcement also includes vehicle owners without plate numbers as well as expired vehicle papers.
A commercial bus driver, Joseph Obetta, told our correspondent that many drivers might be forced to park their vehicles.
He said, “My vehicle papers expired about two years ago. I settle police operatives on the road daily. When I see Vehicle Inspection Officers, I change my route. But with this official enforcement, the enforcers might be very strict. I need almost N30,000 to renew my papers. This is not the right time for us.”
Levi Odo is a Keke operator in Enugu. He said his tricycle does not have a plate number.
According to him, “It will create more troubles for us. My Keke was bought on hire purchase. The plate number is very expensive. By August 15, the work will be terrible. It is difficult to pay for the Keke bill weekly and also purchase the plate number now.”
Cletus Ossai, a commercial driver, however, said he would abide by the directive. He stated that, “It will be better drivers abide by the rules. We spend a lot bribing VIO operatives daily. If they catch you, the minimum bribe is N10,000. This is a difficult time, but we must try to settle these things to free ourselves. They are sources of government revenue.”
THE WHISTLER reports that Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, in a release signed by its Chairman, Emmanuel Nnamani, entitled, “Commencement of Enforcement of Fake Vehicle Number Place and Expired Vehicle Registration Papers”, had warned concerned people to comply with the directives or face the penalties.
The statement read, “Motorists are advised to ensure that their vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles are duly registered with authorized number plates, and their vehicle papers are renewed without further delay to avoid penalties and other legal repercussions.”
Nnamani added that the penalty for defaulters was a fine of N10,000 only, payable to the e-ticket collection account of the state government. He urged motorists to obtain their papers and plate numbers from the nearest motor licensing offices or the office of the state internal revenue board.
