On Monday, October 20, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) unveiled a contactless biometric system for issuing driver’s licenses, marking a major step toward modernizing motor vehicle administration.
The announcement coincided with the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Abuja, themed “Tech Responsibility: Stop Distracted Driving,” aimed at reducing accidents during the busy December 15 to January 15 period.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted the new system’s ability to streamline the licensing process. “We’ve upgraded our facilities to produce 15,000 licenses daily, with plans to clear all backlogs by mid-November,” he said.
The contactless system eliminates the need for temporary licenses, offering instant issuance upon biometric capture.
Streamlined and Efficient
The innovative system uses advanced technology to capture fingerprints without physical contact, ensuring a quick and seamless process.
Mohammed explained, “Once your biometrics are captured, you receive your license immediately. No delays, no temporary documents.” The system integrates with the National Identification Number database for consistent identity verification, enhancing efficiency.
Developed in collaboration with state governments, driving schools, and Vehicle Inspection Offices, the system aligns with global standards.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” Mohammed said, noting that it simplifies applications while maintaining robust data collection for future use. The FRSC aims to eliminate longstanding issues like delays and unprocessed licenses.
Clearing the Backlog
During a press tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s License Print Farm, Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama revealed that a backlog of 800,000 unprocessed licenses has been halved to 400,000.
“We’re now producing 40,000 licenses daily and working round the clock to clear the rest in weeks,” he said. Over 206,000 completed licenses remain unclaimed, and Datsama urged applicants to collect them promptly.
The FRSC has partnered with state agencies, including revenue boards and Vehicle Inspection Offices, to ensure nationwide rollout, with Lagos already implementing the system. This collaboration strengthens coordination and supports a unified approach to modernizing licensing across Nigeria.
Road Safety Campaign
The Ember Months campaign targets risky behaviors like distracted driving, which spikes during the festive season. By combining the license system launch with this initiative, the FRSC emphasizes safer roads through technology and awareness.
Mohammed stressed that the contactless system not only improves efficiency but also builds public trust in the FRSC’s commitment to safety and innovation.
The campaign includes public outreach to educate drivers on avoiding distractions, such as phone use, which contributes to crashes. With the new system, the FRSC hopes to ensure only verified, qualified drivers are on the roads, reducing risks during high-traffic periods.
Looking Ahead
The contactless biometric system positions Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration as a leader in digital innovation. By addressing delays and enhancing data integration, the FRSC is paving the way for a more efficient process. The ongoing backlog clearance and nationwide rollout signal a commitment to modernizing services.
As the festive season approaches, the FRSC’s dual focus on technology and safety aims to protect lives and streamline operations.
Nigerians are encouraged to embrace the new system, collect pending licenses, and drive responsibly, supporting the vision of safer roads and a modernized licensing framework.
