The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has introduced a new contactless biometric system for the issuance of driver’s licences, a major step in Nigeria’s transition toward full digitalisation of public service delivery.
The innovation allows motorists to complete biometric capture and obtain their permanent licences instantly, ending the long-standing reliance on temporary documents and months of waiting.
Unveiling the system in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the reform is designed to eliminate inefficiencies and delays that have plagued the licensing process for years.
He described the new model as a “one-stop digital platform” that will simplify applications, strengthen identity verification, and enhance data accuracy nationwide.
According to Mohammed, the FRSC has expanded its production infrastructure to handle higher volumes of requests. The agency now has the capacity to print up to 40,000 driver’s licences daily, enabling it to clear the remaining backlog of pending applications before mid-November.
He explained that the new contactless technology reads fingerprints without physical contact, ensuring faster data capture and improved hygiene standards.
The system is fully synchronised with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, allowing instant cross-verification of applicants’ identities.
“This innovation represents a turning point in how Nigerians obtain their driver’s licences,” the Corps Marshal said. “Once an applicant completes biometric capture, the licence is printed and issued on the spot.”
The FRSC said the system was developed in collaboration with state governments, the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), and other transport authorities to ensure seamless rollout nationwide.
The new process will also integrate certified driving schools and inspection centres to maintain uniform standards across the country.
The Corps’ digitisation initiative comes alongside the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” The campaign targets reckless and distracted driving, which typically causes a surge in road crashes between December and January.
During a facility tour, Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama, who oversees Motor Vehicle Administration, disclosed that the FRSC had already reduced its licence backlog from 800,000 to 400,000 and continues to operate around the clock to complete all pending production.
He added that more than 200,000 ready licences remain uncollected nationwide and urged motorists to check and claim theirs.
The introduction of contactless biometric capture signals a broader commitment to digital governance and efficiency within Nigeria’s transport administration. With the FRSC’s new infrastructure now in place, drivers across the country can expect a faster, cleaner, and more transparent process for obtaining licences — a significant leap forward for the nation’s motor vehicle system.