A landmark ruling by the Nigerian Federal High Court has set a significant precedent, halting the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from penalizing drivers for having faded vehicle number plates. The court’s decision on Friday came after a lawsuit filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube challenged the legality of fines and arrests for vehicles with faded plates.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that the FRSC, as the sole authority responsible for designing and producing vehicle number plates in Nigeria, could not impose penalties on drivers for issues stemming from the poor quality or durability of those plates. The court’s ruling directly challenges the FRSC’s authority to arrest or fine drivers based on the condition of their number plates, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion and relief among Nigerian drivers.
Ezebube, who filed the suit in early 2024, sought judicial clarification on the FRSC’s role in producing and ensuring the durability of vehicle plates. He questioned whether the FRSC should bear responsibility for any degradation in plate quality over time and whether it was fair for the agency to penalize Nigerians for fading number plates caused by their own production methods.
In his legal action, Ezebube argued that Section 5(g) and Section 10(3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007, which place the onus on the FRSC for vehicle plate design and production, made the agency responsible for any defects in the plates. He contended that the FRSC should be liable for the fading of vehicle number plates and should replace them at no cost to drivers.
The case gained momentum as a growing number of Nigerians reported issues with the fading or peeling of their vehicle plates, often resulting in penalties from the FRSC, despite the fact that the degradation appeared to be a result of the quality of the plates themselves. Ezebube’s legal team, led by U.G. Nwokedi, argued that the FRSC had no legal grounds to punish drivers for issues beyond their control.
In defense, the FRSC, represented by lawyer B.O. Nnamani, filed a counter affidavit, urging the court to dismiss the lawsuit. The FRSC maintained that it had the legal right to penalize drivers whose plates became illegible or faded due to various factors, arguing that such vehicles posed a risk to road safety and enforcement.
However, Justice Aluko disagreed. After reviewing the arguments and legal precedents, the judge ruled in favor of Ezebube, stating that the FRSC could not criminalize the use of faded number plates or impose fines on drivers for this reason. The judgment was a clear indication that the FRSC’s actions had overstepped the bounds of its regulatory powers.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Aluko emphasized that while the FRSC cannot fine or arrest drivers for faded number plates, drivers still have an obligation to approach the FRSC for a replacement of their plates. The court ordered that the FRSC must replace any faded number plates, such as Ezebube’s vehicle’s plate, upon payment of the necessary fee. However, the judgment also made it clear that the FRSC had no authority to impose penalties or arrest drivers solely due to the condition of their plates.
The ruling marks a major victory for Nigerian drivers who have long been frustrated by the FRSC’s penalties for faded vehicle number plates. For many, the decision raises critical questions about the quality control of government-issued materials, such as vehicle plates, and whether citizens should bear the costs of poor manufacturing practices.
In his statement, Ezebube expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, calling it a “triumph for fairness and accountability.” He argued that the judgment underscored the need for public institutions, including the FRSC, to be held accountable for the products they provide and regulate.
“This judgment is a clear message that Nigerians should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control,” Ezebube said. “It’s not just about me, but about the thousands of Nigerians who have been penalized for issues arising from substandard government-issued products.”
The FRSC, which has not yet issued a formal response to the ruling, may face challenges in adapting to the court’s order. The decision is expected to prompt an internal review within the agency, particularly regarding its policies and enforcement strategies related to vehicle number plates.
The ruling has wide implications for road safety enforcement in Nigeria. It highlights the importance of ensuring the quality of materials used in vehicle registration and raises concerns about the broader issue of governmental accountability in service delivery.
Experts have pointed out that the ruling could prompt a review of the FRSC’s powers and responsibilities, potentially reshaping the relationship between citizens and the regulatory body. It could also lead to wider discussions about the efficiency and transparency of other public sector agencies involved in the production of essential goods and services for Nigerian citizens.
The court’s intervention in this matter has been hailed as a crucial step towards ensuring that regulatory bodies operate within the limits of their authority and that citizens are not unfairly burdened by systemic failures.
