The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has expressed concern over the surge in unclaimed driver’s licences across the state, disclosing that more than 1,000 licences produced between February and July 2025 remain uncollected despite multiple phone calls and text messages. The revelation comes as part of the agency's annual end-of-year road tax enforcement operations covering defaced number plates, vehicle papers and third party insurance.
This compliance exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Transport Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (TRAMRA), and various security formations. The two day joint operation focused on ensuring full adherence to statutory requirements.
According to CRIRS, the rising backlog of unclaimed licences is slowing administrative processes and causing avoidable delays for motorists during verification checks. Many drivers who completed biometric capture and were approved for issuance are yet to collect their permanent cards.
The agency has therefore directed all motorists who processed their driver’s licences at the CRIRS Headquarters between February and July 2025 to proceed to the One-Stop Shop, Room 12, at the CRIRS Head Office, New Secretariat Complex, Highway, Calabar. Applicants are required to present the original copy of their temporary licence to retrieve their permanent cards.
CRIRS reiterated the importance of possessing valid driving and vehicle documents at all times, stressing that up-to-date papers are crucial for safety, legal compliance, and avoiding penalties during routine checks.
The Service maintained that the ongoing enforcement is not punitive but part of a statewide effort to deepen compliance, enhance roadway safety, and protect revenue integrity as the year winds down. Motorists were urged to keep all relevant documents valid, current, and readily accessible.
With the festive season fast approaching, CRIRS assured residents that the joint enforcement teams will continue to operate professionally and within established guidelines, with the overall goal of ensuring safer roads and a more transparent, accountable revenue system in Cross River State.
Achiane Adams
