The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the operations and revenue management surrounding the issuance of driver’s licences in Nigeria over the last three years, following mounting concerns over alleged financial irregularities, system delays, and procedural violations by key stakeholders.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene (LP, Anambra) during plenary on Wednesday. Ogene raised alarm over the opacity in revenue generated through the tripartite arrangement involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Boards of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO)—all responsible for the issuance and renewal of driver’s licences across the country.
According to the lawmaker, the process begins with the issuance of a learner’s permit by the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) in each state at a statutory fee, before a full licence is granted. However, he noted that the FRSC’s VIP Centres, which are meant exclusively for renewals, are allegedly being used to issue new licences without evidence of prior learner’s permits, thereby bypassing standard procedure.
