LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Office of the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has been revealed to be part of a scheme related to fraudulent plate number licensing.
Punch reported that the number plates is between N100,000 and N120,000 based on the client’s needy and readiness as against the official N56,000.
This illegal activities are termed as “express” and “premium”.
It was learnt that the approach of plate numbers not in stock was to drive up the price for those willing to get the plate in under a week or two days, adding that not willing to pay the exorbitant fee would amount to delay of securing it.
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A motorist recently narrated how he tried to get a number plate in Abuja, and was asked to cough up N120,000 as against the official N56,000 price, adding that the VIO decided to hoard the plates for selfish gains.
“I have been trying to get the number, but I was told by VIO that it is N120k against the official N56k price. They received a new stock last Thursday, but the plates are not available. They are creating artificial scarcity so they can continue to sell at 120k”, he said.
A VIO officer was reached out to under the guise of urgently needing a plate number said: “No plate numbers for now. It will be till next week when they bring a new order. The plates are between N56,000 and 58,000 for a saloon car. But if you want it express from the Director’s office, you will pay between N100,000 and N120,000. I will go and pick it up for you within two days, you understand?”
He added, “So, think about it. But if you don’t need it urgently, then you can just wait till we restock, and I’ll let you know. The one from the Director’s office is by slot. So, it depends on if you can pay that amount. If you can’t, just wait till next week.”