The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has introduced a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a major leap toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s road safety administration. The innovation aims to end delays, eliminate temporary licences, and simplify the entire application process nationwide.
FRSC Embraces Digital Transformation for Driver’s Licence
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Abuja, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the new digital system will “eliminate temporary licences and signal the beginning of a one-stop-shop for driver’s licence processing.”
According to him, the contactless biometric technology allows instant capture and printing of driver’s licences, ensuring motorists receive their permanent licences immediately after registration. “Once you reach the point of capture, you get your driver’s licence instantly,” Mohammed explained. “There will no longer be two weeks or months of waiting.”
The FRSC boss confirmed that the initiative is fully integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database for seamless verification and data accuracy. “The system captures fingerprints without physical contact, using advanced sensors that collect data quickly and accurately,” he added.
Upgraded Facilities and Faster Production
Mohammed revealed that the Corps has upgraded its printing facilities to produce 15,000 driver’s licences daily, with plans to expand production further. “We have activated plans to overcome the perennial challenges associated with delays in obtaining licences and number plates,” he said. “This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025.”
Deputy Corps Marshal (Motor Vehicle Administration), Aliyu Datsama, confirmed during a media tour that the contactless system is already operational nationwide, including in Lagos. He disclosed that the Corps had been tackling a backlog of over 800,000 unprocessed licences, now reduced to 400,000.
“Our daily production rate is 40,000 licences, and we are working round the clock to clear the backlog,” Datsama said. He also urged Nigerians to collect their ready licences, noting that “over 206,000 remain unclaimed across various states.”
Road Safety Campaign Targets Distracted Driving
The FRSC also launched its 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” The campaign focuses on curbing unsafe driving habits such as phone use while driving, overloading, and fatigue, especially between December 15 and January 15 — a period known for high traffic and accident rates.
Mohammed revealed that the Corps recorded 432 deaths and 2,070 injuries from 533 crashes during the 2024 Operation Zero campaign. Between January and September 2025, 3,433 deaths and 22,162 injuries were reported from 6,858 crashes. He said the Corps will intensify its safety campaigns to further reduce accidents.
Global Collaboration for Safer Roads
In line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, Mohammed announced that Nigeria will host the International Conference on Road Crash Victims for Africa from November 16 to 18, 2025, in collaboration with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation. The event aims to strengthen post-crash care and enhance regional road safety strategies.
Nigeria’s Driver’s Licence Process Enters New Era
The FRSC’s contactless biometric system represents a major reform in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration, combining speed, accuracy, and convenience. With integrated technology and upgraded infrastructure, the Corps says Nigerians can now obtain their licences without delays or temporary documents.
As Mohammed summed it up, “It’s seamless now. You don’t need to place your hand on a device. The system captures automatically and synchronizes your details instantly.”
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to using technology to improve service delivery, promote safer roads, and achieve a fully digital driver’s licence system across Nigeria.
