Federal Gov’t, FRSC Move To Curb Abuse Of Diplomatic Number Plates

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle the growing abuse, falsification, impersonation, illegal possession, and misuse of diplomatic and official number plates across Nigeria.

The development was contained in a press statement released and signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the resolution was reached following a courtesy visit by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ebienfa, to the spokesperson of the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Osundu Ohaeri, who is also the Corps Public Education Officer at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

The statement noted that the visit, which took place on Monday, June 15, 2026, was initially to congratulate Ohaeri on his appointment but also provided an opportunity to discuss areas of collaboration between both institutions.

It stated that Ebienfa subsequently met with Assistant Corps Marshal Operations, Olusegun Ogungbemide, to deliberate on growing security concerns linked to the proliferation of fake diplomatic number plates and other official vehicle identification documents.

“In his remarks, Mr. Ebienfa informed that the Ministry is currently campaigning against the illegal use of Ambassadorial titles by unauthorized persons and some of such persons also use fake diplomatic passports and vehicle number plates,” the statement said.

The Ministry disclosed that discussions between both agencies focused on emerging security threats associated with the misuse of diplomatic credentials and official vehicle identification systems.

Highlighting recent enforcement efforts, the Assistant Corps Marshal Operations reportedly informed the Ministry that the FRSC had carried out nationwide operations aimed at identifying and confiscating illegally obtained diplomatic, official, and government number plates.

According to the statement, “the operations, conducted in several states of the Federation, resulted in the interception of one thousand vehicles found to be using fake diplomatic plates, unauthorized government plates, cloned registration documents, and other forms of vehicle identification obtained through fraudulent means.”

Both institutions expressed concern that the abuse of diplomatic number plates poses significant risks to national security.

The statement warned that the misuse of such plates “not only undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic privileges and immunities regime but also constitutes a significant national security threat capable of facilitating criminal activities, identity concealment, and other unlawful acts.”

It further stated that both agencies agreed that such practices tarnish Nigeria’s international image and weaken established diplomatic norms.

To address the challenge, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FRSC resolved to deepen information sharing, strengthen verification procedures relating to diplomatic vehicles and accreditation, and establish a more robust framework for monitoring and regulating the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.

“The two institutions also agreed to explore the establishment of improved verification mechanisms linking diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases to facilitate real-time authentication of diplomatic vehicles and prevent unauthorized use of diplomatic identities and privileges,” the statement added.

The Ministry commended the FRSC for its proactive efforts in uncovering cases of abuse and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Corps and other security agencies to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system and uphold international best practices.

It added that both institutions would continue consultations and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating stakeholders on the proper use of diplomatic number plates and the legal consequences of impersonation, forgery, and related offences.

The statement emphasised that diplomatic number plates remain the exclusive property of accredited diplomatic missions, international organizations, and duly recognized diplomatic personnel operating within internationally accepted diplomatic frameworks.

“The protection of Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility, national security, and international reputation remains a priority and calls on members of the public to report any suspected cases of misuse of diplomatic number plates or diplomatic identification documents to the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” the statement concluded.