Nigerians to pay more for driver’s licences, up to N400,000 for new number plates

Nigerians will now pay significantly more for driver’s licences and vehicle number plates, as the Joint Tax Board (JTB) rolls out a new price structure effective June 8, 2025.

The board, Nigeria’s top tax coordination agency, says the hike is driven by rising production costs and the addition of enhanced security features. According to the JTB, these upgrades are critical to combat fraud, improve traceability, and align with global best practices.

“The cost of production materials has surged, and so have security demands. The new rates reflect these realities,” a JTB spokesperson said. The last such price adjustment was made in 2021, under similar cost and security pressures.

Under the new pricing, a standard three-year driver’s licence will cost ₦15,000, while a five-year version will go for ₦21,000. Tricycle drivers will pay ₦7,000 for a three-year licence and ₦11,000 for five years.

The increase is even steeper for number plates. A standard plate for private or commercial vehicles will now cost ₦30,000. Fancy plates for private cars will rise sharply to ₦400,000, while government fancy plates are set at ₦120,000.

These changes come as motorists are already grappling with inflation and high fuel costs. Still, the JTB insists the enhanced documentation system will benefit vehicle owners and security agencies alike.

Licensing authorities across Nigeria have been directed to enforce the new rates immediately, with no grace period announced.

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