Motorists & the new drivers’ licence

In the course of the one hour interactive programme, a caller was elated when he recalled his experience when he travelled abroad and was told he could exchange his Nigerian drivers’ licence as a valid permit within his one month stay.
This is in line with the reciprocity which we now have with several countries in the European Union and most states in the United States of America which recognises our drivers’ licence because of its standard which is comparable with any in the world. It is about four years since the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) commenced the new licensing regime in line with the pledge by the commission’s management to restore the integrity of the system.
Recall that the new motor vehicle administration regime remained a necessity since 1990 when it was imperative to harmonise and unify all existing modes of licensing of drivers and vehicle registration. The scheme set out to address a plethora of safety, security enforcement challenges such as the absence of database on vehicle owners and enhanced capacity for enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. When the new regime took effect on March 1, 2015, critics battered the agency, questioning the rationale for the introduction.
There is no doubt that the scheme suffered some initial hiccups, especially with respect to the few centres that were available and could not cope with the pressure caused more by the eagerness on the part of motorists and the deadline that was set for a change over to the new regime. There was also the problem caused by slow and interrupted internet network. It is over four years now and I know that more centres have been opened and internet network has improved but how have we really fared?
For this week, I intend to run comments made by over 226 drivers’ license applicants between April 15 and July 4 on the FRSC process and procedure on the scheme. This write-up is also coming on the heels of the discovery that despite complaints, motorists rarely come to pick up their permanent drivers’ licence. In fact, the figure for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is put at over 13,000. It is also in keeping with the FRSC corporate strategic goals for 2015 which seek to improve stakeholder consultation and road user education.
This prompted the commission in January to gauge our performance and service delivery by opening an applicant’s comments book in the various drivers’ license centres in the FCT. So far, there are a number of comments from a cross section which includes clergymen, distinguished lawmakers, professionals and other Nigerians. I have chosen to take the backseat while these distinguished members of the public say their minds.
Thank God for public institutions like FRSC. I was well-treated; I support your change initiatives. FRSC sincerely needs further institutional support from the government to drive the process – HON. Chuma Nzeribe
It is a pleasure being here and seeing this great work you people are doing for Nigerians. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and be gracious unto you and all the staff of the FRSC – Archbishop John Praise Daniel
I have been a customer service person in various private sector organisations. I have also used services of public sector organisations. What I have witnessed here today is best described as world class customer service coming from a public sector organisation –
 Mosadoluwa Ayodeji Adebiyi
The last time I was at the FRSC (office) was five years ago. On my return today I was amazed by the level of improvement both on the human and material development. The technology with which they offer services is superb – Senator Lawal Shuaibu
 The staff are dedicated and interested in their job. I am highly glad to see staff that is serious with job. They should be encouraged and motivated to continue with the good work; well done – Engr. Bello Gachi Issa
 The process is fantastic with excellent staff. Highly disciplined and quite efficient. I am impressed with the FRSC.  – Waziri Laisu
 I appreciate the business-like manner in which the officers discharge their functions. More grease to your elbows. The process is orderly and the system in good state. – Abdullahi A. Yola (Solicitor-general of the federation)
Note: More systems will be required to meet up with demand and the commission may look into decentralising the process and with time get mobile registration units – Engr. Tom Omeje
The FRSC services are more enjoyable now; thank God we are removed from the hands of cheats who paraded to give us fake diving licence. Please extend the banking services into this building for faster services. God keep and protect FRSC – M. A.Sambe (Mrs.)
Coming to the Federal Headquarter has been a good experience as the lecture given by the head of department has been very helpful and made me realize some of the things I would not have known about using road – Peggy Orlu (Mrs.)
I want to commend the services of this commission. They are trying. There is room for improvement if more equipment are on ground; I appreciate their quality service – Pastor (Mrs.) Bolu Awoyengbo
The personnel/officers of the unit are doing everything possible to cope with an overwhelming situation. More capturing points/equipment will aid this work. The personnel efforts and the HOD are recognised and appreciated – F.O. Adesida (Amb.)
The lecture was highly educative and entertaining. It acquainted the drivers the necessary safety rules and regulation regarding the road. I urge the corps to keep it up – Adam Buba
My experience was okay but services need to be improved upon. I will recommend that the number of computer systems used for capturing be increased for improved service delivery. Well done FRSC – Ezeribe Chidinma
The entire exercise was smooth and seamless. I commend the reliability of the technical platform and the commitment of the FRSC to deliver great service to citizens – C. P. Emmanuel Ojukwu
I am quite impressed with the system and the organisation of the process. The commission has tremendously improved the process and people are attended to as they come. There is even a lecture section. Keep it up – Arc. Njoku E.I.C
There is need to speed up the process and reduce congestion and waiting. Programme is laudable – Hon. L.D Adeh
The process is cumbersome but I believe we will get it right someday. Kudos to Mr. Oseni – Elabor G.H
I really appreciate the way the staff attended to me. Although, the capturing took some time before my name could “drop” in the system -three weeks precisely. The outcome is laudable because the issue of fake drivers’ license is out of it – A. I. Egbuuku