The Lagos State Government has launched a newly designed articulated and allied vehicle number plate, describing it as a major breakthrough in the State’s quest to ensuring a stable transportation system.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Fedrick Oladeinde explained that the initiative as part of the reform in the transportation and traffic management sector in the State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu, the Commissioner affirmed that the newly introduced number plate is made up of three standard number plates which are to be fixed on the cabin head, body and rear of the vehicle respectively
While arguing that the regulation to affix three standard number plates on articulated vehicles has been in existence before now, he confirmed that the newly designed alphanumeric structure of the AVNP has been approved by the Joint Tax Board in conformity with international standard.
He submitted that the launch of the scheme was organized to secure necessary and vital concurrence of all stakeholders involved in the vehicle number plate production, issuance and enforcement chain, as well as the end-users, adding that all effort to achieve full compliance will be considered.
Explaining to stakeholders the numerous benefit of the initiative, Oladeinde stated that creating a robust data base on all articulated and similar vehicles will assist in providing and sharing valuable information with law enforcement agencies, the Nigeria Police and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) for safety and security.
Speaking further, the Commissioner revealed that all vehicles coming into Lagos State through its Port will henceforth be required to obtain the Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT) except those who have Dealers Permit, stating that the State Government has put necessary enforcement machinery in place to ensure compliance.
According to him, the issuance of TVT to newly-imported vehicle which is the first of its kind in Nigeria is to keep unregistered vehicles off Lagos roads in order to reduce the festering use of such automobiles for criminal activities as well as to discourage vehicle theft whilst also enabling owners to use their vehicles pending full registration of validity period of 30 days.
“For smooth implementation of the AVNP Scheme, the government of Lagos State has designed well simplified, user-friendly and seamless procedure for the issuance of plates. We hereby invite all stakeholders to join hands with our agencies as well as law enforcement institutions to make the AVNP and TVT schemes a huge success”, he implored.
Earlier in her welcome address, the General Manager, Lagos State, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Mrs. Lape Kilanko revealed that the introduction of the new plate is a giant step towards advancing the regulation and inspection of vehicle in the State.
Speaking on the process of registration, the General Manager disclosed that newly procured articulated and allied vehicles will be registered under the new standard while existing ones will be integrated during their renewal process.
Kilanko assured stakeholders that the process of obtaining the new plates will be seamless; assuring them that all the Agency’s 52 stations across the State have been equipped to commence registration.
Speaking on the imperativeness of redesigning the new articulated and allied number plate, the Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corp, Mr. Hyginus Omeje disclosed that motor vehicle registration with number system has since continue to evolve in response to the dynamics of society, particularly the requirement for better road transport regulation, security and safety.
Omeje applauded the State Government for the initiative, stating that the scheme will enhance national security and create a safe monitoring environment in the country.
The unveiling was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Ouwatoyin Fayinka; the General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle; the General Manager, Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye; the Director/Chief State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Mr. Akin-George Fashola; the General Manager, Lagos State Driving Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu and other stakeholders in the transportation industry.
