By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has pledged its support for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the ongoing crackdown on fake number plates, as part of efforts to enhance road safety and national security.

The collaboration was formalised during a meeting between NANS leaders and the Corps Marshal in Abuja on Friday.

This was disclosed in a statement by the FRSC’s Assistant Corps Marshal and Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, made available to our correspondent in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the NANS delegation was led by the association’s President, Comrade Lucky Omonefe, alongside the President of the Senate, Comrade Akintoye Babatunde, and other executive members.

Also present was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Affairs Sunday Ashefon, who decried the proliferation of fake number plates, describing it as a threat to national security and a violation of the country’s transportation system.

“The Tinubu administration will not sit back while some unscrupulous individuals undermine the efforts of the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies,” Ashefon stated. “NANS is a reputable body, and we will not allow our name to be associated with unlawful activities.”

In his remarks, Comrade Omonefe assured the FRSC of the student body’s commitment to supporting the fight against fake number plates.

He noted that the current NANS leadership is focused on fostering meaningful partnerships that promote both student welfare and national development.

“We will engage our members across the country, educating them on the dangers and consequences of using fake or unauthorized number plates,” Omonefe pledged.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, who earlier provided an overview of the FRSC’s special operations, welcomed the partnership and commended NANS for taking a stand on the issue.

“We appreciate the support of NANS and look forward to working together to achieve our common goal of ensuring road safety in Nigeria,” Mohammed said.

“The collaboration will focus on sensitizing students and the general public about the risks associated with fake number plates while encouraging the acquisition of genuine plates from authorised dealers.”

With NANS vowing to mobilise its members nationwide in support of the FRSC’s efforts, the partnership is expected to strengthen enforcement and awareness campaigns against the use of illegal number plates.

As the initiative takes off, the expectation is that students and the wider public will embrace the message of road safety and compliance with the law.