By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The House of Representatives has resolved to probe alleged irregularities in the issuance of driver’s licences and the mismanagement of related revenue streams, following the adoption of a motion by Rep. Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
Raising the motion, Ogene expressed deep concern over systemic lapses involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Boards of Internal Revenue (BIRs), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO). He pointed to operational inefficiencies, financial opacity, and prolonged delays that have left millions of Nigerians frustrated.
According to Ogene, the FRSC has taken control of several key revenue sources—including fees for Driving School Certification and Driving History Applications—both of which are frequently required for international travel documentation.
He noted that these FRSC-managed accounts reportedly generate hundreds of billions of naira annually. However, he alleged that a significant portion of these funds remains unaccounted for, particularly by the VIO and state revenue agencies, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
Beyond the financial issues, the lawmaker also highlighted the persistent and widespread delays in the processing of driver’s licences. Applicants, he said, have often waited two to three years after biometric capture, with little to no feedback from the relevant authorities.
Ogene revealed that part of the delay is linked to debts owed by the FRSC to Galaxy Backbone Ltd. and other contractors responsible for the biometric infrastructure. These unpaid obligations, he said, have led to frequent system breakdowns and operational disruptions.
He further stressed the need for legislative clarification on which agency—FRSC, VIO, or BIR—is legally mandated to design, produce, and issue the national driver’s licence. The lack of clarity, he warned, has fostered institutional rivalry and undermined efficient service delivery.
In response to these concerns, the House mandated the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the legal framework, financial operations, and institutional responsibilities surrounding driver’s licence issuance over the past three years.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks, potentially setting the stage for legislative reforms aimed at restoring efficiency and accountability in the system.
This investigation comes amid mounting public outrage over bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor management of public funds tied to essential services.
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