The Federal Road Safety Corps has stated that it is currently reviewing a recent court ruling that bars the agency from arresting or penalising drivers for faded number plates.
The ruling, delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos on January 17, 2025, followed a suit filed by Chinwike Ezebube, who argued that the FRSC, as the official producer of number plates in Nigeria, should be held responsible for their durability.
The court considered whether the FRSC could penalise vehicle owners for using plates that faded over time due to production quality.
In response, the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, explained that faded number plates result from normal wear and tear rather than substandard manufacturing.
“Faded number plates are not as a result of poor quality. Rather, it has to do with normal wear and tear, which is why the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (as amended) in Regulation 39 gives vehicle owners the opportunity to apply for a replacement if their number plates are lost or damaged,” he said.
Ogungbemide assured that the corps was carefully studying the judgment and would fully comply with the court’s decision.
“The corps is studying the court’s judgment but will not do anything to disrespect the court or its decision. The FRSC is a responsible organisation and will always abide by court orders and the rule of law,” he added.
