The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has introduced an innovative contactless biometric system across Nigeria to revolutionize the issuance of driver’s licenses. This new technology allows applicants to have their biometric data captured without any physical contact, enabling immediate issuance of permanent licenses. This advancement eliminates the need for temporary licenses and long waiting times by fully digitizing and automating the entire process.
The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Abuja, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
According to Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC’s enhanced printing facility, designed to tackle the chronic delays in license issuance, now has the capacity to produce up to 15,000 licenses daily. The agency aims to clear all existing backlogs by mid-November.
This contactless system employs advanced fingerprint scanning technology that captures biometric data without any physical touch, promoting hygiene, efficiency, and precision. It is integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, allowing instant identity verification.
Furthermore, the Corps Marshal highlighted that licenses will be issued immediately after application completion, doing away with temporary documents and prolonged waiting periods. This streamlined approach was developed in partnership with state governments, driving schools, and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to ensure nationwide coverage.
By integrating certification from driving schools and vehicle inspections into this contactless platform, the FRSC is laying the foundation for a comprehensive digital licensing ecosystem. Corps Marshal Mohammed described this as the beginning of a fully digital service platform for all licensing needs.
Addressing License Backlogs and System Integration
Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama revealed that the new system is now operational nationwide, including Lagos, to tackle the backlog of pending driver’s license applications. The backlog has been halved from 800,000 to 400,000, with the FRSC working around the clock to produce up to 40,000 licenses daily to close the gap swiftly.
“Our teams are working nonstop to eliminate the remaining backlog within weeks,” Datsama stated. He also noted that over 206,000 printed licenses remain uncollected nationwide and encouraged applicants to retrieve their documents promptly.
The FRSC is collaborating closely with state revenue authorities and vehicle inspection units to fully synchronize the new system. This integration is a critical step toward consolidating all vehicle and driver information into a single, unified digital platform.
Corps Marshal Mohammed emphasized that these reforms aim to align Nigeria’s licensing process with international standards by enabling instant license issuance, reducing human errors, curbing corruption, and enhancing transparency.
At the FRSC’s Driver’s License Print Farm in Abuja, officials demonstrated the contactless biometric technology, which utilizes near-field sensors to capture fingerprints without physical contact. This innovation significantly reduces processing times and removes the need for manual identity checks.
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Having validated the system’s capability for instant processing and printing, the FRSC’s new approach marks a decisive shift from the previous manual system, which often left drivers waiting for weeks or even months to receive their licenses.
Advancing a More Efficient and Secure Licensing System
Nigeria’s transport sector is experiencing a transformative upgrade with the rollout of this contactless biometric system. It addresses long-standing challenges such as delays, system breakdowns, and the issuance of expired temporary licenses that have frustrated many applicants.
The FRSC’s transition to a fully digital, contactless platform accelerates data processing, enhances identity verification, minimizes physical document handling, and provides real-time updates on application status. This eliminates the need for applicants to visit multiple offices in person.
By linking the licensing process to the NIN database, the system effectively prevents identity fraud and unauthorized registrations. This integration also supports road safety enforcement by equipping officers with accurate, up-to-date driver information.
This digital transformation aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of improving public service delivery through technology. Building on existing digital frameworks for identity management, taxation, and business registration, the FRSC’s new system extends automation to vehicle and driver licensing, showcasing enhanced efficiency and transparency.
The FRSC plans to deploy this contactless system across all state offices and licensing centers nationwide in the near future. Officials assure that the platform is designed to handle high volumes of applications without compromising speed or reliability.
The agency anticipates that this system will drastically reduce pending license applications, improve coordination between federal and state agencies, and restore public confidence in vehicle administration. Drivers will benefit from a seamless experience that consolidates application, biometric capture, and license collection into a single visit, eliminating long queues, temporary permits, and repeated trips.
This initiative underscores the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. The successful nationwide adoption of this contactless system is poised to set a new benchmark for digital government services within Nigeria’s transport sector and beyond.