ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a contactless biometric capture system aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s driver’s licence issuance process, eliminating temporary licences and long wait times that have plagued applicants for years.
Speaking Monday at the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment Campaign in Abuja, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the new system marks a major step in the digitalization of FRSC operations nationwide.
“It’s seamless now,” Mohammed said. “You don’t need to place your hand on a device to get your fingerprint. The system captures it automatically and synchronizes your details with our database.”
The technology enables instant biometric capture and immediate licence issuance, replacing the previous system that often left applicants waiting weeks or months for permanent licences. Mohammed confirmed that the system will be rolled out this month and integrated with Nigeria’s national database.
To support the transition, FRSC has upgraded its printing infrastructure to handle increased demand and clear a backlog of pending licences. Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama said the backlog, once at 800,000, has been halved. “We work 24/7 now,” he said. “Our daily production rate is 40,000, and in the next few weeks, we’ll clear everything.”
Beyond licensing reforms, Mohammed reported a decline in road crash fatalities compared to the previous year. Data from Operation Zero (December 2024–January 2025) recorded 432 deaths and 2,070 injuries from 533 crashes. Between January and September 2025, 3,433 deaths and 22,162 injuries were reported from 6,858 crashes — a relative improvement in safety outcomes.
The FRSC plans to intensify its Ember Months operations with targeted campaigns against distracted driving, fatigue, overloading, and mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Mohammed also announced Nigeria will host the International Conference on Road Crash Victims for Africa from November 16–18, 2025, in partnership with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation. The event aims to strengthen post-crash care across the continent in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery and safer roads nationwide.
