The Federal Road Safety Corps has announced the introduction of a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a significant shift toward digitalization in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.
The campaign, launched on Monday in Abuja, is themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” Focusing on dangerous driving behaviors often linked to increased crashes between December 15 and January 15.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed during the flag off said the new licence system would not only eliminate delays but also remove the need for temporary documents.
“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.
“We are also about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the license, which will eliminate temporary licenses, thereby signaling the beginning of a digitalized 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.”
The corps marshal explained that the new system was developed after consulting with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, noting that licensing falls under a concurrent legislative list.
“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 further explained that the system would fully integrate existing driving schools, Vehicle Inspection Office, and certification processes, but with a faster and modified approach.
He also urged Nigerians who have already completed capture to check and collect their licenses, revealing that “over 206,000 licences remain unclaimed across various states.”
