Nigeria’s government raked in an impressive N26.2 billion from the issuance of National Drivers Licenses (NDLs) in the year 2022, according to findings by The PUNCH. These statistics were derived from an analysis of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) Statistical Digest for the four quarters of 2022, indicating a significant contribution to the nation’s revenue stream.
The report obtained by The PUNCH revealed that a total of 1,007,948 NDLs were produced throughout the year. The average cost of a driver’s license in 2022, whether it was for 3 or 5 years validity and whether it was for new applicants or renewals, remained steady at N26,000.
Delving deeper into the pricing structure, a new driver’s license valid for three years came with a price tag of N30,000, while renewals cost N17,000. Those opting for a five-year license had to pay N35,000 upfront, and the renewal fee stood at N22,000.
The FRSC’s report, encompassing data from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, offers a detailed breakdown of license production throughout the year. The first quarter of 2022 saw the production of 143,686 licenses, followed by 333,752 units in the second quarter. The third quarter recorded the production of 272,324 licenses, showing remarkable growth though it was slightly lower than the preceding quarter. In the last quarter, 258,186 licenses were produced, signifying a marginal decline of 5.2 percent.
In total, the year 2022 saw the issuance of 1,007,948 drivers’ licenses, underscoring the importance of the NDL program in Nigeria. Analysis of production by states revealed that Lagos recorded the highest production of NDLs with 137,814 units, followed closely by the Federal Capital Territory, which accounted for 52,880 licenses.
Other states contributing significantly to the numbers include Delta, Ogun, and Oyo, which produced 60,527 units, 37,682 units, and 27,402 units, respectively.
This data reflects the significance of driver’s licenses in Nigeria, not only as a means of ensuring road safety but also as a considerable source of revenue for the government. However, it’s worth noting that early in the year, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT reported over 15,000 drivers’ licenses yet to be collected by their owners, while Oyo had 6,138 drivers’ licenses uncollected during the same period, underlining the need for improved management and collection mechanisms.
The revenue generated from the issuance of National Drivers Licenses in 2022 is not only a testament to the importance placed on road safety in Nigeria but also a significant contribution to the nation’s fiscal health. As the government continues its efforts to enhance road safety and streamline the process for obtaining licenses, this revenue stream is expected to persist and potentially increase in the coming years.
