Nigerians frawn as Federal  Government increases cost of Drivers’ licence, Number plates.

Motorists have described the new spike in drivers’ licence and number plate rates as insensitive to the plight of the Nigerian public.

They said a subtle increase in the cost of living without value-added readily inflicts more hardship on motorists and other end-users.

This week, the Federal Government, approved an upward review of rates payable by motorists to obtain drivers’ licences and new number plates nationwide, as part of the measures to increase revenue.

The announcement of an upward review of standard private number plates and commercial number plates from N12, 000 to N18,750.

Also, the government through the Joint Tax Board (JTB), approved that drivers’ licences for three years and five years would cost N10,350 and N15,450 respectively, as against the previous rate which was N6, 450, and N10, 450.

The federal government has directed all State Boards of Internal Revenue to ensure strict adherence to the newly approved rates beginning from August 1st, 2021.

Some of the vehicle owners lamented that the timing was wrong, adding the move would increase maintenance costs.