The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has introduced a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a major leap in the digitalisation of Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.
This innovation was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed: “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” The campaign aims to reduce road crashes during the high-risk festive period from December 15 to January 15.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the new system is designed to eliminate long-standing delays and end the use of temporary driver’s licences.
> “We have activated plans to resolve delays in driver’s licence and number plate issuance. Our upgraded printing facility now produces an average of 15,000 licences daily, and we plan to increase that number to clear the backlog before mid-November 2025,” he said.
He further revealed that the contactless biometric system will allow on-the-spot printing of licences, eliminating the need for physical fingerprinting or interim documents.
> “Once an applicant is captured, they’ll receive their permanent licence immediately. The days of waiting weeks or months — or using temporary licences — are over,” Mohammed stated.
The new system has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including state governments, in recognition of licensing as a concurrent responsibility under Nigeria’s constitution.
> “Globally, the trend is instant licence issuance based on accurate data collection. That’s what we’re adopting. The contactless capture is quick and efficient, and it records all necessary biometric data,” he explained.
The Corps Marshal added that the system would integrate all relevant processes — including driving schools, the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), and certification agencies — into a streamlined, one-stop solution.
He also emphasized that the system is synchronised with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, ensuring consistency and facilitating easy identity verification.
The contactless fingerprint technology uses advanced sensors to capture biometric data from a short distance, without requiring physical contact — enhancing both speed and hygiene.
As part of the rollout, the FRSC has strengthened coordination with state governments, VIOs, and state revenue boards to ensure smooth nationwide implementation.
During a media tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s Licence Print Farm in Abuja, Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama, who oversees Motor Vehicle Administration, confirmed that the system is already operational and will be deployed across all states, including Lagos.
Datsama revealed that the Corps had been grappling with a backlog of 800,000 unprocessed licences, which has now been halved to 400,000.
> “We are currently operating 24/7 and producing 40,000 licences daily. By God’s grace, the backlog will be cleared in the coming weeks,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians who have already completed their biometric capture to collect their licences, noting that over 206,000 licences remain unclaimed in various states.