A Federal Road Safety Corps official has made it clear. Foreign driving licences are not valid on Nigerian roads.
During a live television programme, the official stated that only locally issued licences are recognised.
“No foreign driver’s licence is permitted to be used to drive on our road.”
When asked whether an international driving licence is acceptable in Nigeria, the official replied simply: “The answer is no.”
He referenced section 82 of the national road traffic regulations, which clearly states the rule.
The official also explained the role of the International Driving Permit (IDP). It is a temporary travel document for motorists moving between countries. It allows visitors to process a local licence within a limited period — not more than three months.
Foreigners coming to Nigeria with driving credentials from other countries must follow the same process.
The internet is reacting. One person wrote: “So my UK licence is useless in Nigeria? I didn’t know this.” Another said: “This is why people get arrested at checkpoints. Now we know.” 😤
Someone else added: “The law has always been there. People just ignore it.”
A different voice said: “Three months to process Nigerian licence. That is reasonable.”
What do you think is this law enforced properly or just on paper?
“No foreign driver’s licence is permitted to be used on Nigerian roads” — FRSC commander pic.twitter.com/m8tgazys2y
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) May 21, 2026
