New number plates aiding EFCC, others to track crime – FRSC
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu, says the introduction of new number plates has helped agencies like the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to track criminals.
He noted that the data capture in the process of obtaining the new number plates had provided a robust database for the FRSC, which other agencies could benefit from.
Biu, in a recent interview with our correspondent, pointed out that the new number plates had helped in the recovery of 383 stolen vehicles within 10 years, noting that since the new design of the number plates was introduced in 2011, over 12 million of the number plates had been produced.
He stated, “From our data, the total number of number plates produced since inception is 12,018,646. From the data capture, we have recovered 383 stolen vehicles in the last 10 years; 2013 to 2022.
“Even the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, and several other agencies rely on our data from the new design of number plates.”
When asked the number of vehicles currently registered in the country, he said, “The total number of vehicles validly registered into the electronic portal is 6,623,309. The figure is exclusive of state government vehicles.”
Giving an update on the level of implementation of the road crash victims’ rights, he said the Corps was working towards ensuring that vehicle owners were held accountable for the injuries and death of passengers.
He added, “We are working to see how we can pursue their rights. The victims or their families should get compensated. There should be a legal procedure so that the vehicle owners can be held accountable for the injuries and death of passengers. We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association. We worked with some firms before but we want to make it a national affair and that is why we are working with the NBA.”
Meanwhile, the FRSC has warned motorists to be careful while driving during the rainy season to avoid loss of lives and property.
The FRSC spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, gave the charge in a recent interview.
The National Emergency Management Agency warned that there would be extreme weather this year and that this might cause excessive rainfall, dust haze, fog and mist, while high temperature could affect vehicle tyres during the hot season. It also warned that roads and bridges might be affected.
Kazeem stated, “Our message to drivers has always been that driving in the rain can be risky because one’s visibility is reduced. Vehicle owners should ascertain that the windows and windshields are functioning and clean on the outside and the inside. They should routinely check their headlights, brake lights, turn signals and tail light.
“The lights should be on during the day and at night whenever rain starts. Motorists are also advised to reduce their speed during this time and apply the ‘common sense speed’.
He stressed further that since the road tends to be slippery, drivers should ensure that their tyres have adequate grip. “The car tyre is the only contact between the vehicle and the road, so drivers must avoid the use of worn-out or expired tyres. Don’t over-inflate or under-inflate the tyre
