By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Motorists in Lagos State with faded and unreadable vehicle number plates have been given a three-month rebate window to replace them.

This followed the approval of the 90-day exercise by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, according to the Permanent Secretary for Motor Vehicles Administration Agency (MVAA), Mr Rasheed Muri-Okunola.

The state government disclosed that the rebate applies specifically to vehicle owners whose number plates have become worn, faded, or unclear over time due to weather conditions and prolonged use.

It noted that the gesture is a proactive and citizen-friendly intervention aimed at encouraging compliance while reducing the financial burden on vehicle owners.

According to Mr Muri-Okunola, the Governor authorised the rebate as part of renewed efforts to enhance road safety, improve vehicle identification, and strengthen security across the state.

It was emphasised that the condition of vehicle number plates is critical to effective traffic management, crime detection, and overall public safety, noting that faded or illegible plates pose challenges to law enforcement agencies and traffic officials.

The government noted that that beyond aesthetics, legible number plates play a vital role in curbing traffic violations, aiding investigations, and supporting digital vehicle tracking systems deployed by the state.

Motorists were, therefore, encouraged to take advantage of the window by visiting the agency’s designated Pilot Centre at Oshodi (MVAA One Stop Centre, Oshodi) or any MVAA Stations across the state for the replacement process.

“Clear and properly maintained number plates are essential for vehicle identification and security. This three-month rebate is designed to give motorists ample opportunity to replace faded plates at a reduced cost while supporting our collective responsibility to keep Lagos roads safe and well-regulated,” Muri-Okunola stated.

“This is not just a regulatory exercise; it is a public safety measure. When number plates are clear and standardised, it improves efficiency across transportation, security, and emergency response systems,” he added.

Mr Muri-Okunola assured the public of seamless service delivery throughout the rebate period and advised motorists to avoid unauthorised agents, stressing that all replacements must be processed through designated government-approved centres.

He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to innovative policies that prioritise safety, convenience, and accountability while urging residents to cooperate with authorities in building a safer and more orderly transport environment.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The appointment of an Executive Director of CIG Motors, Mr Jubril Arogundade, has been terminated, a statement from the auto firm has revealed.

It was disclosed that Mr Arogundade was relieved of his duties over an alleged financial misappropriation and abuse of authority, with the matter referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

CIG Motors said it took the decision to fire Mr Arogundade following internal investigations that uncovered issues relating to financial misappropriation and abuse of authority.

The company said it first suspended the accused person for a comprehensive internal review and findings showed that his actions fell significantly below its governance, compliance, and ethical standards, making immediate termination necessary.

The organisation further disclosed that it is cooperating fully with the authorities, including the EFCC, as the matter progresses through the appropriate regulatory and legal channels.

CIG Motors emphasised that the action reflects a zero-tolerance stance on financial misconduct and abuse of authority, particularly at senior management level, noting that safeguarding institutional integrity and maintaining robust internal controls remain central to its operations.

The statement also clarified that CIG Motors will not engage in further public commentary on the matter, stressing that it is now before the relevant authorities. It added that operational continuity across the business remains unaffected.

The development aligns with a broader trend seen across Nigeria’s corporate and financial landscape in recent months, where several organisations have taken decisive action against senior executives following internal probes, regulatory breaches, or governance failures, a part of the statement said.

Analysts note that such actions signal growing pressure on corporate boards to strengthen oversight, enforce accountability, and demonstrate compliance with governance best practices.

CIG Motors reiterated its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance, accountability, and transparency, assuring stakeholders that appropriate measures are in place to protect the company’s long-term stability and reputation.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of two persons in a road crash that occurred at noon on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The unfortunate incident involved a Nigerian-born British boxer, Mr Anthony Joshua. His vehicle was said to have rammed into a stationary truck on the expressway, killing two people on the spot.

In a statement, the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, an Assistant Corps Marshal, said the fatal road traffic accident specifically happened around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State.

It involved an SUV conveying the boxer, with preliminary reports from the Ogun Sector Command indicating that Lexus vehicle may have been travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor.

According to the FRSC, the driver lost control of the vehicle during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into the stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.

“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” a part of the statement alleged.

However, FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of notification, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, effective traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.

“A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.

The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation,” another parts of the statement read.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Shehu Mohammed, has commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured victim, Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.

“FRSC reiterates its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Motorists are urged to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period.

“The public is reminded that the Corps remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer roads, prompt emergency response, and sustained public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country,” the statement noted.