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Police, FRSC Disagree Over Vehicles Registration
The Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Wednesday, in Abuja, disagreed over who had the right to issue vehicle number plates and keep the database of vehicles in Nigeria.
This was at the public hearing on the controversial new vehicle plates and driver’s licence by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs.
While the police said it was the exclusive responsibility of the State Motor Licensing Authority to issue the driving and vehicle documents and the police maintain the database, it was the FRSC that was at present handling it.
A Deputy Inspector General of Police, Olajide Akano, presented the position of the police at the hearing while the FRSC Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, represented his commission.
Akano said new number plate registration and driver’s licence upgrading by the FRSC were illegal and a violation of the Act setting up the commission.
He told the committee that the police had already concluded arrangements on an electronic data system, Enhanced Central Motor Registration, which would capture vehicle registration in the country electronically.
The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Osita Chidoka said the police had no business in the registration of vehicles “because they were not authorised by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) to do so.
“The Enhanced Central Motor Registry (ECMR) currently collected by the police is an illegal tax as far as JTB is concerned.’’
Chidoka made the remarks in Abuja at the public hearing on new number plates and drivers’ licences organised by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs.
He referred to the communiqué of the 104th meeting of the JTB in Nasarawa State in August 2003, “which stated that road taxes were the responsibility of the states.
“The communiqué categorised ECMR as un-receipted tax by the police.
“The meeting agreed that the function of keeping motor vehicle records is statutorily by the FRSC.’’
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of ICT, Mr Abdelrahman Akano told the committee that the police planned to introduce digital vehicle registration.
Akano said that motorists would be charged N3,500 and N5,000 for plain glass vehicles and tinted glass vehicles respectively.
The representative of Safety Beyond Borders (SBB), an NGO, Mr Adenusi Patrick blamed the high cost of the new number plates on the activities of touts who extorted hapless Nigerians.
“The activities of touts have made Nigerians to end up paying higher above the official cost of N15,000 for the new number plates.
“If we eliminate touting, the process of getting the new number plates will be easier and affordable.’’
Mr Idris Abdul, the Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Lokoja, said the FRSC was created for the maintenance of safety on the roads and not for revenue generation.
“A major policy change of this magnitude that affects all classes of the Nigerian society needs not to be in a rush for implementation.
“We wonder why the interest of the Nigerian citizen was not taken into consideration through consultations and advocacy in the planning of the so called laudable programme.’’
The Secretary-General of the Motor Dealers Association of Abuja, Mr Ajibola Adedoyin said the new number plates should be used in newly purchased cars.
“Old number plates should be in use and replacement should be voluntary. Cars to be registered should be made to collect the new number plates.’’
The vice chairman of the committee, Senator Babajide Omowurare (ACN- Osun) said it would create stronger collaboration among agencies involved in vehicle registration.
“We hope with this public hearing, a number of burning issues will come out that will enable us amend some of the laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the committee has ordered the arrest of Mr Chris Ahanonu, representative of the Centre for Moral Clarity and Change, for disparaging the National Assembly.
Ahanonu, in his presentation, said members of the National Assembly were not in touch with the people they represented. “The National Assembly, as presently constituted, is far away from the people.’’
The Chairman of the committee, Senator Dahiru Kuta (PDP-Niger) said the National Assembly would not allow its cherished reputation to be rubbished by selfish individuals.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol