Why number plate of vehicles fade – Lagos Commissioner

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has attributed the frequent fading of vehicle plate numbers in the state to the use of corrosive detergents during car washes.

He made this known during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Tuesday.

Responding to questions from journalists, Osiyemi explained that poor maintenance practices—especially the use of harsh cleaning agents—contribute significantly to the deterioration of plate numbers.

“If you buy a brand-new car today and don’t maintain it well, there will be problems. The detergents we sometimes use to wash our cars are very corrosive, and that’s what causes the plate numbers to fade,” he said.

The commissioner also acknowledged the need for the government to improve the quality of materials used in manufacturing license plates.

He emphasized that while all products have a lifespan, efforts are being made to extend the durability of plate numbers.

“We have also noticed the need to improve the materials we use so we can achieve longevity. The truth is, just like humans have a lifespan, plate numbers also have a lifespan,” Osiyemi said.

He added that the state government is working to ensure that future license plates are designed to last at least seven years.