The Nigeria Police Force has declared that covering vehicle number plates without valid reasons is considered a criminal offense.
In a statement released via his official handle, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized the necessity of keeping registration numbers visible on vehicles at all times.
Adejobi stated, “It is a common thing to see many vehicle owners and drivers to cover their number plates, for no reason, this is wrong and even criminal.”
He stressed that proper registration with visible numbers is mandatory for all vehicles and must be maintained consistently.
“You don’t cover your number plate for any reason. It is as important and compulsory for all vehicles to be duly registered, so it’s compulsory to make reg. numbers visible at all times.”
Exceptions were noted for specific officials: “Pennant officers” and heads of the three arms of government – executive, legislative, and judicial – who may utilize pennants or flags on their official vehicles. However, the use of these must adhere to certain rules.
“The seal of their offices or ranks (for military or police) go with their numbers and pennants. Once its 6pm, the pennant must go down and their numbers covered, or when they are not in the car while the drivers move their cars,” Adejobi clarified.
He also highlighted the need for flags to be covered with registration numbers or the official seal on their cars.
Adejobi urged strict enforcement of these regulations, emphasizing the impact of disregarding them: “Our officers and men and other traffic management agencies are aware of this and hereby urged to go after any violator, as such is criminal. It encourages recklessness and crimes with impunity. Let’s collectively kick against it.”
The police have previously imposed restrictions on the unauthorized use of unmarked vehicles and covered number plates across the country.
