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| Governor Sanwo‑Olu Unveils Special Disability Plates |
The Lagos State government announced a plan to issue special vehicle plates for persons with disabilities. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, state transport commissioner, unveiled the plan at a press briefing in Alausa . He said the plates would help identify and support disabled drivers on Lagos roads .
The scheme sits under the THEMES Plus Agenda, which seeks to include all residents in state programs. It aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo‑Olu’s focus on inclusion in public services . The plan signals a strong message that Lagos cares for every commuter.
The Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority, LSNPPA, will make the new plates. From May 2024 to March 2025, LSNPPA produced 218,400 standard plates for private and commercial cars . It also made 716 fancy motor‑vehicle plates and 347 fancy motorcycle plates on request. The authority meets high demand for both ordinary and special plates.
The disability plates will feature a blue wheelchair symbol beside the registration number. They will use reflective material for clear visibility at night and in low light. Each plate will have a unique code starting with “DIS” to mark its purpose. The design will match current Lagos plate colours but add the accessibility icon.
To get the special plate, vehicle owners must submit a valid disability card and proof of vehicle ownership. Applicants will fill a simple form online or at any LSNPPA office. The fee matches standard plate replacement charges, with no extra cost for disability marking . Plates should arrive within two weeks of application.
Advocacy groups praised the move as a step toward road equity. The Lagos Disabled Drivers Association said it would ease parking access and priority at public facilities. They asked for clear enforcement rules to guard against misuse. The group will work with authorities on fair application of the scheme.
The Federal Road Safety Corps will help enforce new plate rules. Officers will spot and assist drivers with the disability plates during patrols. FRSC will also share data with LSNPPA to track plate issuance and renewal needs. Road safety experts expect an uptick in aid for disabled commuters.
Some experts note similar schemes in other countries yield better access and respect for disabled drivers. In South Africa, marked plates grant parking ease at public areas. In the UK, disabled badges offer local parking leniency. Lagos aims to learn from such models and adapt best practices.
LSNPPA will issue 224 out‑of‑series plates each month for special requests. It produced 4,000 articulated‑vehicle plates and 428 official plates last year . The authority plans to boost production by 20 percent to meet extra demand. It will add a second shift to keep delivery times under two weeks.
Stakeholders raised concerns about plate fading from road wash chemicals. The commissioner said LSNPPA uses strong, fade‑resistant materials. He warned owners to replace plates when they show wear. Replacement procedures match current rules, with clear guides online and at LSNPPA centres.
Economists say the plate expansion could add revenue for LSNPPA and help the state budget. The fee income will fund road sign upgrades and bus lane markings. That reinvestment will shape a more accessible transport network for all Lagos residents.
Environmental experts noted LSNPPA’s work with FRSC on Go Green road furniture, linking plate production to sustainable practices. They plan to test eco‑friendly aluminum plates later this year. If successful, Lagos may use recycled materials across all plate designs.
Public feedback is open on the Lagos transport website. Users can share ideas for enforcement, parking support and future plate features. The state invited comments through social media pages and email channels. Officials said they will review all input before mass rollout.
The state aims to start distribution in June 2025. Initial release will cover public service vehicles, taxis and buses. Private cars under disability ownership follow in July. Full rollout across all vehicle classes should finish by December.
This plan marks a new chapter for Lagos roads. It shows clear steps toward fair access and social support. The government hopes the plates will boost mobility and respect for persons with disabilities.
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