Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has denied allegations that he has awarded new contracts or cancelled existing ones relating to new vehicle number plate system since assuming office.
In a press statement issued Monday and signed by the CEO, Mr. Kotey stated:
“As CEO of the DVLA, I have not signed any new contracts nor terminated any existing ones concerning the new number plates. Any claims to the contrary are inaccurate. We continue to prioritize the integrity of our procurement and operational processes.”
Mr. Kotey explained that upon taking office in 2025, his administration inherited an already existing and legally binding contract for the enhancement and embossing of vehicle number plates.
According to him, the contract signed on November 26, 2024, awarded the production of two million number plates to one Mr. Dasebre after a procurement process that spanned from 2020 to 2024.
“I inherited a valid contract that was lawfully awarded before my tenure,” he emphasized, adding that his administration has a responsibility to respect contractual obligations and uphold the rule of law.
The DVLA CEO further noted that the broader vehicle registration reform, which includes the introduction of RFID-integrated number plates and the removal of registration years, was announced in June 2024-well before he assumed office.
“Since taking office in 2025, our administration has remained committed to the modernization of vehicle registration. This initiative, which includes the transition to RFID-integrated number plates and the removal of registration years, was originally announced in June 2024 to enhance security and streamline our national database,” he disclosed.
According to Mr. Kotey, the reform is aimed at improving vehicle security and strengthening the national vehicle database.
Addressing the involvement of Vemag, a company that has publicly expressed interest in the project, Mr. Kotey said the Authority acted transparently from the outset.
“I made it clear that a contract was already in place and advised them to engage directly with the existing contractor,” he said.
He added that, acting in good faith, he personally facilitated an introduction between Vemag and Mr. Dasebre to explore possible collaboration, particularly on the technical components of the RFID system.
However, Mr. Kotey accused Vemag of spreading misinformation through media engagements and press conferences, describing their claims as inconsistent with their own court filings.
“It is contradictory for a firm to claim ignorance of a contract recipient when their own legal documents clearly name the contractor,” he stated.
The DVLA CEO further described it as improper for any company to attempt to block a duly awarded contractor from executing an existing agreement.
“It is highly irregular for a firm to tender for a project and then demand that the rightfully awarded contractor be barred from fulfilling their duties,” he said.
Mr. Kotey assured the public that the DVLA remains committed to delivering a secure and modern vehicle registration system while strictly adhering to all legal and contractual frameworks.
“We continue to prioritize the integrity of our procurement and operational processes. Our administration will not be distracted by baseless accusations,” he asserted.
