http://www.punchng.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=4871:lagos-issues-sept-2012-deadline-on-number-plates&Itemid=542
Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it had commenced the issuance of new number plates to owners of all categories of vehicles in order to keep abreast with modern vehicle administration.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, made this known at a media briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

Opeifa said the state would give residents till September 2012 to change their old number plates to new ones after which the law enforcement agencies would begin a crackdown on those still using the old ones.

He said the decision to change number plates in the state was also based on the need to reduce the security risk posed by unregistered vehicles on the road in the state. He explained that drivers of such vehicles usually blamed unavailability of the old number plates for their offence.

Opeifa said, the new number plates were the state’s response to problems posed by improperly registered vehicles in the metropolis.

He added, “The huge backlog of applicants for vehicle registration has informed our decision to adopt a phased issuance procedure for the new number plates. In the next four weeks, only fresh applicants, that is owners of new vehicles or newly-imported used vehicles will be issued with the number plate.

“By our informed calculation, the backlog would have been cleared within the next one month. Thereafter, the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency will issue the number plates to registered vehicle owners.

“Likewise, motorcycle number plate will not be issued for now. The MVAA will convey the issuance date for this category of plate number to the public shortly.

“The numbers will be issued exclusively at MVAA’s 39 vehicle licensing offices across the state.”

Opeifa, said the House of Representatives directive to the Federal Road Safety Commission to suspend issuance of new number plates was not binding on the state.

He said, “There has been enough discussion between all the organs of governments before the state came to this decision. As the issue unfolds, they will be addressed accordingly. We believe that the decision we took is right.”

Opeifa said newly registered vehicles would pay N15,000 to get the plates, while renewal from old to new number plates would attract N10,000.

He said motorists who desired fancy plate numbers would pay N80,000 while Special motor dealer’s number plates would attract N30,000.

Opeifa, said the new number plates would be personal and was not transferable from persons to persons even when a vehicle was sold. He added that the measure was to ensure effective tracking and tackling of security issues.

Is this not the same issue being put on hold on the National level? Fashola, call this ope to order now!!