According to the Information Attache at the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, international driving permits are issued by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which has headquarters in all state capitals and branch offices in most cities (4 Feb. 2003). The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue (Nigeria 21 Feb. 2001). It is in the form of a booklet measuring 10.16 by 13.97 centimetres (4 by 5.5 inches) and has 12 printed pages held together by saddle stitching; that is, they are bound together by two staples inserted from the outside to the inside (ibid.). The cover, a gatefold or foldout, includes a photograph of the individual (ibid.). Two of the pages identifies the "List of Contracting States" that recognize the international driving permit (ibid.). Ten of the pages - each of which is written in a different language, including English, French, Arabic, Russian, German and Spanish - includes a section for the "Particulars concerning the Driver," which provides space for the driver's surname, first name, place of birth, date of birth and place of residence (ibid.). Each of these ten pages also lists the "Vehicles for which the permit is valid" and includes two sections for "Exclusions" (ibid.).

To apply for the permit an individual must complete an application form and present it along with their local driver's licence to an office of the FRSC (Nigeria 4 Feb. 2003). According to the Information Attache, additional identification is not required since it would have been presented and then recorded at the time the local driver's licence was issued (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Nigeria. 4 February 2003. Nigerian High Commission, Ottawa. Interview with Information Attache.

_____. 21 February 2001. "Republic of Nigeria International Driving Permit. Issued at Lagos, Nigeria."

Nigeria. 21 February 2001. "Republic of Nigeria International Driving Permit. Issued at Lagos, Nigeria." (cover and personal data page)