The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled a new contactless biometric capture system for the issuance of driver’s licences as part of efforts to fully digitalise Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.
The innovation was announced in Abuja on Monday during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
Speaking at the event, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the new system would eliminate delays, remove the use of temporary licences, and ensure instant issuance of permanent driver’s licences at the point of capture.
“We have activated plans to overcome the perennial delays in obtaining driver’s licences and number plates. Our printing facility has been upgraded to produce an average of 15,000 licences daily, and this will be increased to clear the existing backlog before the second week of November 2025,” he said.
Mohammed explained that the contactless biometric technology would allow applicants to obtain their licences immediately after data capture, signalling the start of a fully digital one-stop process.
“Once you reach the point of capture, you will get your licence instantly. There will be no more temporary licences or waiting periods of weeks or months,” he said.
The Corps Marshal noted that the new process was developed in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders, as licensing falls under the concurrent legislative list.
He added that the system integrates with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, ensuring consistency in data and enhancing identity verification.
“Globally, once you appear for capture, your licence is printed immediately. This innovation adopts that global standard through a contactless biometric process that captures fingerprints from a short distance without physical touch,” he stated.
Mohammed further disclosed that the new system would link driving schools, Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIOs), and other regulatory agencies to improve coordination and efficiency in driver certification.
