A Growing Pile of Uncollected Licenses
In a surprising revelation, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Abia State has disclosed that about 4,000 driver’s licenses remain uncollected at its Osisioma center. Despite efforts to clear backlogs and streamline the production process, many applicants have failed to retrieve their licenses, leaving the FRSC with a growing pile of unclaimed documents.
Why Are Licenses Going Unclaimed?
S. Arusi Egbuta, the Head of the Driver’s License Centre in Osisioma, attributed the issue to several factors. These include the loss of registered phone numbers, failure to check SMS notifications, and a general reluctance by drivers to visit the office.
Egbuta urged applicants to take proactive steps, stating, “Those who applied for a license but have not received any notification should visit the office, as temporary licenses expire after 60 days.”
Security Concerns and Collection Challenges
The FRSC also highlighted security concerns as a reason for the strict collection process. Following the vandalization and burning of the FRSC office in Aba South during a protest, all license collections must now be done at designated centers. This has limited alternative collection points, adding to the challenges faced by applicants.
A Warning Against Fake Licenses
Egbuta issued a stern warning against obtaining fake licenses from unauthorized sources. He emphasized that the FRSC has implemented advanced security features to differentiate genuine licenses from counterfeits. “Anyone involved in forgery will face legal consequences,” he stated, urging the public to avoid illegal means of obtaining licenses.
Call for Prompt Action
The FRSC also called on applicants who are yet to undergo biometric capture to respond promptly when contacted. Delays in completing this crucial step contribute to system congestion and further complicate the licensing process.
Why This Matters
The growing number of uncollected driver’s licenses highlights inefficiencies in the system and underscores the need for better communication between the FRSC and applicants. It also raises concerns about road safety, as many drivers may be operating without valid licenses.
What Can Be Done?
To address the issue, the FRSC could consider:
Enhancing communication channels to ensure applicants receive timely notifications.
Introducing more collection points to improve accessibility.
Launching public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the importance of collecting their licenses.