HEAD of Department of FRSC Licensing Centre in Omu-Aran, Mr Olugbenga Bankole, says the continued closure of commercial banks in the area was slowing down issuance of driver licences.

Bankole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Sunday that continued closure of banks in the area had remained a source of concern to the commission.

NAN reports that an armed robbery attack in the area on May 2013, resulting in the death of three persons, had forced the banks to close indefinitely in the area.

Bankole said that the licensing unit, which commenced operation in September 2013, could have surpassed its current records, but for the closure of the banks.

He said that the closure of the banks had forced prospective licence seekers to travel to Ilorin, a journey of about 70 kilometres, to pay for the document.

Bankole said that in spite of some challenges the department was having, it had recorded a lot of achievements.

He said that the idea behind the creation of the department was to reduce the stress and risks involved in travelling to Ilorin, the state capital, for the document.

``But apart from the challenges of non-supply of electricity and awareness, the issue of bank closure in Omu-Aran is somehow slowing down the processing.

``It is our prayer that the banks will reopen soon to continue their business in the interest of the residents,” Bankole said.

He advised prospective licence seekers to patronise approved driving schools by the Commission in the process of obtaining their driver licence.

Bankole said the command had taken its campaign to churches, mosques and transport unions in creating the necessary awareness on the existence of the department in Omu-Aran. (NAN)