A new online self-service portal launched by the Federal Capital Territory’s Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has been described as a major step in combating racketeering and illicit practices in the vehicle registration process.
The portal allows vehicle owners in the FCT to register new vehicles, renew registration, and select their desired number plates from the convenience of their homes or offices.
The spokesperson of the Citizens’ Awareness Group on Road Traffic Issues, Eze Nwabuezu, praised the digital initiative.
He said the DRTS’s previous reliance on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC’s) production plant in Gwagwalada had made it difficult to meet the demand for new vehicle registrations and number plates from motorists.
“There is no doubt that the unveiling of this self-service portal introduced by the Abdul Lateef Bello administration will help reduce hoarding, racketeering, and other illicit practices by touts and unscrupulous elements involved in the processing, registration, and obtainment of vehicle number plates,” Nwabuezu stated.
He called on state governors and the FCT minister to establish their number plate production plants, pointing to Lagos State which already has its facility to meet local demand more efficiently.
According to DRTS director, Dr Abdul Lateef Bello, the digital platform streamlines what was previously a cumbersome process and stands out as a pioneering move in the country to modernise vehicle registration.
Nwabuezu highlighted that one of the key advantages of the new system is blocking the possibility of number plate forgery and racketeering that has historically plagued the old manual processes.
While the DRTS does not directly produce number plates, which is a role handled by the FRSC production plant, the online portal aims to increase transparency and curb corruption by digitizing and centralising the registration process.
