The Lagos State Government has approved a three-month rebate for motorists to replace faded or unreadable vehicle number plates, in a move aimed at strengthening road safety, improving vehicle identification and bolstering security across the state.
The approval, granted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was disclosed on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicles Administration Agency, Mr Rasheed Muri-Okunola, who described the initiative as a pragmatic and citizen-focused intervention to encourage compliance without undue financial strain on vehicle owners.
Muri-Okunola said the condition of vehicle number plates remained critical to traffic management, crime prevention and effective law enforcement, noting that worn or illegible plates often undermine security operations and traffic control.
According to him, the rebate window is designed to provide motorists with sufficient time to replace plates that have deteriorated due to prolonged use or harsh weather conditions, at a reduced cost.
“Properly maintained number plates are fundamental to security and vehicle identification. This rebate gives motorists a fair opportunity to comply while supporting our shared responsibility to keep Lagos roads safe and well regulated,” he said.
He explained that eligible vehicle owners could process replacements at the MVAA One Stop Centre in Oshodi or any MVAA station across the state during the three-month period.
The permanent secretary added that the policy reflected the state government’s broader approach of pairing enforcement with empathy, using incentives to promote voluntary compliance rather than relying solely on sanctions.
Beyond appearance, he said legible number plates played a strategic role in tackling traffic violations, aiding criminal investigations and supporting the state’s digital vehicle tracking architecture.
“This goes beyond regulation. Clear and standardised number plates enhance efficiency in transportation management, security operations and emergency response,” Muri-Okunola added.
He assured motorists of smooth service delivery throughout the rebate period and cautioned against the use of unauthorised agents, stressing that all replacements must be carried out only at government-approved centres.
The Lagos State Government, he said, remained committed to innovative and accountable policies that prioritise public safety and convenience, urging residents to cooperate in building a more secure and orderly transport system.
