The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) commander, Ganiyu K. Hamzat, has stirred reactions online after stating in a video that foreign driver’s licenses are not allowed in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to accompany their Nigerian driver’s licenses when driving abroad. He explained that foreigners should follow a similar process in Nigeria before being allowed to drive.
He said:
“There is something we call the International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Some of our people travel abroad with Nigerian driver’s licenses. When they get there, they accompany their driver’s licenses with the IDP, which gives them the opportunity to process that state’s driver’s license.”
He further referenced the country’s National Road Traffic Regulations.
He added:
“Section 82 of the National Road Traffic Regulations states that no foreign driver’s licenses are permitted to be used on our roads.”
The FRSC commander’s comments have triggered waves of reactions online, as internet users raised concerns about the agency’s poor enforcement system compared to other countries. Some also pointed out how long it takes to obtain a driver’s license in Nigeria.
One user wrote:
“These people keep coming on camera to tell us about stupid laws. We already know the laws exist. The problem was never the lack of laws; the problem has always been enforcement. Officials take bribes and allow anything to pass.”
Another user added:
“One would think a Nigerian driver’s license is something special. Anybody can get one without even knowing how to drive.”
@RosederyT commented:
“He’s saying it as if you can acquire a Nigerian driver’s license in three months while on holiday in Nigeria.”
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
