Nigerians Face More Hardship as Government Raises Fees for Driver’s Licenses and Number Plates

New Price Hikes for Number Plates and Driver’s Licenses Add to Nigerians’ Financial Burden

The Tinubu government increases license and number plate fees amid growing economic challenges, further burdening Nigerians with higher costs for essential services. The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has announced a significant hike in the prices for national driver’s licenses and vehicle number plates, which will take effect from November 1, 2024.

Under this new directive, the price for a three-year motor vehicle driver’s license has been raised to N15,000, while a five-year license will now cost N21,000. Motorcycle and tricycle operators are also affected, with the three-year license set at N7,000 and the five-year license increasing to N11,000.

Vehicle number plates have also seen a steep price increase. Standard private and commercial vehicle number plates will now start at N30,000, while personalized number plates will sell for as much as N400,000. Motorcycle number plates have been priced at N12,000, and dealer plates will cost N100,000. Even government vehicles are not exempt, as fancy number plates for government vehicles will now cost N120,000, and the standard versions are set at N80,000.

The JTB justified these price hikes by highlighting the introduction of advanced security features aimed at enhancing the identification of drivers and vehicles in Nigeria. JTB Secretary Olusegun Adesokan emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will lead efforts to educate citizens on these new rates.

The Tinubu government increases license and number plate fees as part of broader economic reforms, but many Nigerians feel the pinch of these changes as they struggle with the rising cost of living across the country.