The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Joint Tax Board have agreed on a a new date for the enforcement of the use of motorcycle and tricycle riders’ licences and number plates from the August 1, 2019 to October 2, 2019.

They said this was to allow the JTB to further sensitise the state governments, especially their boards of internal revenue, to the proposed clampdown.

They said the shift in date was to also give room for the states’ boards of internal revenue to make requests for the number plates and licences for motorcyclists and tricyclists, especially in states where the items were in short supply.

The statement signed by the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, said, “The grace period will also be utilised for further consultations with the relevant stakeholders and sensitisation of the general public to secure the support of all on the need to adhere to traffic laws to enhance the success of the ongoing campaign against insecurity in the country.”

Kazeem said the earlier ultimatum given by the corps for the commencement of enforcement was sequel to reports of pervasive use of motorcycles and tricycles for urban transportation without the riders being properly licensed or operating without registered number plates as prescribed by the law.

He said the FRSC relied on Section 10 Sub Section 4(h) and (i) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, which made the possession of Class A driver’s licence and number plate mandatory for riders of motorcycles and tricycles before they can ply the country’s roads.

“By this extension, all Motor Licensing Authorities across the country are advised to make necessary arrangements that would facilitate the easy acquisition of the Class A licence and number plate to avoid any ugly incidents,” Kazeem said.