Lagos Exempts Private Vehicles From Compulsory Number Plates

The Lagos State Government said on Sunday that private
vehicles were exempted from obtaining its compulsory number plates before
plying the state roads.

The state commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa,
said this in a statement in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the state Chief Vehicle
Inspection Officer, Mr Abdulhafiz Toriola, had on October 4, announced that
private and commercial vehicles in the state would be mandated to use the
state’s number-plates.

“Number-plates are unified all over the federation.
Government never made any pronouncement that vehicles with other states’ number
plates had been banned from plying Lagos roads.

“Only vehicles operating as commercial public transport will
have to obtain the state’s number plates before being allowed to operate in and
on Lagos roads.

“This is necessary to enable the government to have adequate
information about such vehicles,” Opeifa stated.

The commissioner explained that the step would also ensure
the safety and security of residents.

According to him, Regulation 41 sub section 1 of the Lagos
State Road Traffic Law stipulates that “No person shall operate or cause to be
operated a commercial vehicle without having obtained a commercial vehicle
operator licence from the Lagos State Government.”

He said that every licence issued for a commercial vehicle
would bear a distinct number which would be painted conspicuously on the front
and rear of the vehicle.

The commissioner said that any commercial vehicle operating
within Lagos State must obtain a permit from the state government and the owner
must register it with the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency
(MVAA).

The commissioner also urged motorists to always ensure the
safety of other road users.