In a significant move toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration, the Federal Road Safety Corps launched a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s license issuance to enhance security.
The Corps is launching its 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign to lower traffic accidents during the hectic holiday season.
On Monday, the campaign was introduced in Abuja with the theme “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” It targets risky driving practices frequently associated with a rise in collisions between December 15 and January 15.
No more temporary documents and delays
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stated during the flag-off that the new license system would eliminate the need for temporary documents and reduce delays.
Mohammed stated, “We have activated plans to overcome the perennial challenges associated with delays in obtaining the driver’s license and number plates. Our printing facility has been upgraded to print an average of 15,000 driver’s licenses daily.”
“This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” the Corps Marshal noted.
He added, “We are also about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the license, which will eliminate temporary licenses, thereby signalling the beginning of a digitalised one-stop-shop for processing driver’s licenses.”
“With this development, it is expected that delays and other challenges related to the national driver’s license will be history,” he emphasised.
Consultation with stakeholders
The Corps Marshal clarified that the new system was created after consulting with state governments and other relevant parties, pointing out that a concurrent legislative list covers licensing.
“Globally, we have seen how a driver’s licence has been obtained. As soon as you come, you get the driver’s license. What matters is the comprehensive data, the adequate data that will be stored for usage at any given time,” he said.
He added that the system would quickly and efficiently integrate the current certification, Vehicle Inspection Office, and driving school processes.
“We are almost through with the process. It will no longer be the process of putting hands on the biometric. This one is a contactless biometric. It doesn’t take time, and also, it captures all the essence required,” he said.
He asserts that the complete procedure—from application to license issuance—will be instantaneous upon capture.
“Once you reach the point of capture, you get captured and you get your driver’s licence instantly. There is no longer going to be a temporary driver’s licence. There’s no longer going to be two weeks, one month, six months, one year before you get your driver’s licence,” Mohammed stated.
Synchronisation with the NIN database
He claimed that the new procedure is also synchronised with the National Identification Number database to guarantee data consistency and easy identity verification.
He referred to the new contactless fingerprint system as “seamless,” stating that it uses cutting-edge technology that can read fingerprints at a close distance to capture biometric data without making physical contact.
To guarantee the smooth rollout of the new system across the country, the FRSC has also strengthened its collaboration with state governments and organisations like the VIO and state revenue boards.
Contactless system already in use
Aliyu Datsama, the Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, confirmed that the contactless system is already in use and will be implemented throughout the nation, including Lagos, during a press tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s Licence Print Farm on Monday.
Datsama revealed that the Corps had been battling a huge “backlog of 800,000 unprocessed driver’s licenses, which has now been reduced to 400,000,” which was crucial.
“We are now working 24/7 to clear the remaining backlog.”
“Our current daily production capacity is 40,000 licences, and by the grace of God, we will clear everything in the next few weeks,” he stated.
Additionally, he reminded Nigerians who had already finished the capture process to check and pick up their licenses, pointing out that “over 206,000 licenses remain unclaimed across various states.”