The cost of proof of ownership certificates will increase to N1,000 beginning the month after next for both individual and commercial drivers.
Up until this point, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had provided the papers at no cost to those who purchased new automobiles.
The new price is in addition to the payment that must already be made for registration and the specifics of the vehicle.
AbdulHafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, spoke at a media briefing yesterday. He said, “I am pleased to announce the implementation of a new initiative that aims to streamline and enhance the process of vehicle ownership verification. This new initiative is the ‘yearly Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC) in line with compliance with legal requirements fundamental to transparency, security, and accountability within the transportation network.'” Toriola said. “I am pleased to announce the implementation of a new initiative
He proceeded by saying that “this initiative is in accordance with the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012 (as amended) No. 101, Vol. 99; Section 73- (1),” which stipulates that “there shall be POC for all registered vehicles.” The provision that “the commission shall establish and maintain a central database for vehicles and drivers for the federation” was also added to Section 73 (1-6) of the statute.
“In order to accomplish this goal, the Federal Government has mandated that all vehicles that are registered receive a POC on an annual basis. Following the successful completion of all of the relevant requirements and procedures, this certificate will be used as the official proof of the legal owners of a car.
“The POC will include essential information, such as the owner’s name and address, in addition to the vehicle’s registration details, such as the licensed number plate, model, and year of production.
“Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of safety and security of lives and property through the issuance of POC nationally and especially in our dear state, the Joint Tax Board, in its communiqué, issued at the end of the emergency meeting held on May 9, 2023, adopted and made a resolution that POC should be issued to motorists on an annual basis nationwide.” “Having critically reviewed the challenges encountered in ensuring promotion of safety and security of lives and property through the issuance of POC nationally and especially in our dear state.”
Toriola continued by saying that “this decision, among other things, is aimed at tracking the real-time status and guarantees the integrity of all vehicles registered on the National Vehicle and Identification Scheme (NVIS) database.”
In an interview with The Guardian, Bolanle Ogunlola, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, confirmed the payment and stated that it is a collection by the Federal Government. She elaborated on what this means, saying that “it means that if anything happens to your vehicle in any part of the country, it is traceable in terms of theft and all of that.”
Ogunlola stated that it will begin as soon as the car particulars are up for renewal and that the fee will be N1000 just. He added that this will take place immediately.