FRSC, Foreign Affairs Ministry Move to Curb Production, Use of Fake Diplomatic Number Plates

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to combat the abuse, forgery and illegal use of diplomatic number plates across the country.

The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, to the FRSC spokesperson, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, and Assistant Corps Marshal (Operations), Olusegun Ogungbemide, at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

During the meeting, both agencies reviewed growing security concerns arising from the proliferation of fake diplomatic number plates and forged official vehicle documents.

Ebienfa disclosed that the Ministry is currently leading a campaign against the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles, noting that some individuals also make use of counterfeit diplomatic passports and vehicle number plates.

Ogungbemide revealed that recent nationwide enforcement operations by the FRSC led to the interception of approximately 1,000 vehicles bearing fake diplomatic plates, unauthorised government plates, cloned registration documents and other fraudulent vehicle identification materials.

The two institutions warned that the misuse of diplomatic number plates undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic privileges, tarnishes the nation’s international reputation and poses a significant national security threat by facilitating criminal activities and concealing identities.

To address the challenge, the Ministry and the FRSC agreed to deepen inter-agency information sharing, strengthen verification processes for diplomatic vehicles and accreditation, and develop a framework to monitor and regulate the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.

The Ministry commended the FRSC for its enforcement efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Corps and other security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s diplomatic interests and engagements.

Both parties also agreed to intensify stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the proper use of diplomatic number plates and the legal consequences of impersonation and forgery.

The Ministry emphasised that diplomatic number plates are reserved exclusively for accredited diplomatic missions, international organisations and recognised diplomatic personnel.

“Diplomatic privileges and immunities must not be abused, transferred, sold or used by unauthorised persons under any circumstances,” Ebienfa stated.

Members of the public have been urged to report any suspected misuse of diplomatic number plates or identification documents to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.