The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled a contactless biometric system for driver’s licence issuance, signaling a major step toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the Corps’ 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” which seeks to reduce road accidents during the peak festive season from December 15 to January 15.
Speaking at the flag-off in Abuja, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted that the new system will eliminate delays and remove the need for temporary licences. “Our printing facility has been upgraded to produce an average of 15,000 driver’s licences daily, with plans to increase output to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” he said.
Mohammed explained that the contactless biometric capture system allows on-the-spot licence printing, effectively creating a digitalised one-stop shop for driver’s licence processing. “Once you reach the point of capture, you get your driver’s licence instantly. No temporary licences, no waiting weeks or months,” he said.
The system, developed in consultation with state governments and other stakeholders, integrates driving schools, Vehicle Inspection Offices, and certification processes, but in a faster, streamlined manner. Mohammed added that it uses advanced technology to capture fingerprints without physical contact, ensuring accuracy and convenience.
The FRSC has also synchronised the new process with the National Identification Number (NIN) database to ensure seamless identity verification. Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama confirmed that the system is already operational and will be rolled out nationwide, including Lagos.
Datsama further revealed that the backlog of 800,000 unprocessed licences has been halved to 400,000, with a daily production capacity now at 40,000 licences. He urged Nigerians who have completed capture to collect their licences, noting that over 206,000 remain unclaimed across various states.
The move reflects the FRSC’s commitment to modernising motor vehicle administration while promoting road safety during the festive season.
