The Federal Road Safety Corps ((FRSC) has unveiled a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a major step toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.
The innovation was announced during the official launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign held on Monday in Abuja.
The campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” focuses on tackling unsafe driving habits often responsible for accidents between December 15 and January 15 each year.
New System to End Licence Delays
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed explained that the contactless system would eliminate the need for temporary licences and drastically reduce processing delays.
“We have upgraded our printing facility to produce about 15,000 driver’s licences daily,” Mohammed stated. “This will help us clear all pending backlogs before the second week of November 2025.”
He added that the new system will enable instant capture and on-the-spot printing, ensuring drivers receive their permanent licences immediately after biometric capture.
A Seamless Contactless Process
Mohammed further noted that the digital system would use advanced contactless biometric technology, capable of capturing fingerprints without physical touch.
“It doesn’t take time, yet it captures all the necessary data,” he said. “Once you’re captured, you get your licence instantly. There will be no more two weeks, one month, or one-year wait for licences.”
The Corps Marshal also revealed that the system was developed in consultation with state governments and other stakeholders, given that licensing falls under a concurrent legislative list.
Integration with NIN and Other Agencies
The new process will be fully synchronised with the National Identification Number (NIN) database to ensure accurate data matching and easy verification.
According to Mohammed, the digital upgrade will also integrate the operations of driving schools, the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), and certification bodies, allowing for a more efficient and transparent driver’s licence process.
“Globally, licences are issued immediately after capture. That’s the direction Nigeria is heading now,” he added.
Clearing the Backlog Nationwide
During a tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s Licence Print Farm in Abuja, Deputy Corps Marshal (Motor Vehicle Administration), Aliyu Datsama, confirmed that the new system is already operational and will be rolled out nationwide, including in Lagos.
Datsama disclosed that the FRSC had been battling a backlog of 800,000 unprocessed licences, which has now been reduced to 400,000.
“We now operate 24/7 and produce about 40,000 licences daily. By the grace of God, we’ll clear the remaining backlog within weeks,” he said.
He also urged motorists who have already completed their capture to check and collect their licences, revealing that over 206,000 licences remain unclaimed across various states.