In a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety, the Lagos State Government has announced a substantial reduction in the cost of replacing worn-out vehicle number plates. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration has slashed the fee from thirty thousand Naira (₦30,000) to twenty thousand Naira (₦20,000) for a limited period.
Three-Month Amnesty Window for Motorists
The price reduction is not permanent but forms the core of a special three-month amnesty and rebate initiative. The program is scheduled to run from January through March 2026, offering a crucial window for both private and commercial vehicle owners across the state. The announcement was made public by the Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Rasheed Muri-Okunola, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Muri-Okunola explained that the rebate is strategically designed to encourage motorists to voluntarily replace plates that have become faded, damaged, or completely illegible. He stressed that the condition of a vehicle's identification plate has direct and serious implications for statewide security, effective traffic law enforcement, and proactive crime prevention efforts.
Security and Safety Imperatives Behind the Move
Emphasizing the governor's directive, the Permanent Secretary highlighted a critical security gap caused by unreadable plates. Such plates hinder the ability of security and law enforcement agencies to monitor, investigate, and accurately identify vehicles involved in incidents or criminal activities. This challenge complicates efforts to maintain order and safety on Lagos's busy roads.
"Clear and readable number plates are fundamental to public safety and security," Muri-Okunola stated. He added that the amnesty period allows vehicle owners to fulfill this important civic responsibility at a reduced cost, thereby lessening the financial burden while supporting collective efforts to make Lagos a safer metropolis for everyone.
Context and Broader Implications
This initiative by the Lagos State Government comes against the backdrop of recent federal adjustments to vehicle documentation costs. Recall that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had previously announced a nationwide increase of over 100% in prices for motor vehicle licenses and registration, effective June 8, 2025.
Governor Sanwo-Olu's rebate program, therefore, provides targeted relief to Lagosians within a specific domain, aligning with broader objectives of improved vehicle identification and a stronger security architecture. The move is widely seen as a practical step to ensure compliance through encouragement rather than solely through enforcement, addressing a common issue that affects law enforcement capabilities and road safety standards.
