FRSC Launches Contactless Biometric Driver’s License System and 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign to Enhance Digitalization and Reduce Accidents
FRSC Launches Contactless Biometric Driver’s License System and 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign to Enhance Digitalization and Reduce Accidents
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the rollout of a new contactless biometric system for issuing driver’s licenses, signaling a major move toward digital transformation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle management.
This development coincides with the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, aimed at reducing road accidents during Nigeria’s festive season. The campaign, launched on Monday in Abuja and themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” focuses on tackling reckless driving behaviors that often lead to increased crashes from December 15 to January 15.
During the flag-off, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted that the new licensing system will eliminate delays and the need for temporary documents. “We have upgraded our printing facilities to produce an average of 15,000 driver’s licenses daily, with plans to increase this capacity to clear the backlog before mid-November 2025,” he said.
He also revealed that the contactless biometric capture system, which allows on-the-spot printing of licenses, will replace the current temporary license system, paving the way for a fully digitalized, one-stop licensing process. “Once you come for capture, you will receive your driver’s license immediately. No more temporary licenses or long waiting periods,” Mohammed explained.
Developed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, the new system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing driving schools, Vehicle Inspection Offices, and certification processes, making the process faster and more efficient. It captures biometric data without physical contact, utilizing advanced technology to read fingerprints from a short distance, ensuring a smooth and hygienic experience.
The entire process—from application to license issuance—will now be instantaneous once biometric data is captured. Furthermore, the system is synchronized with the National Identification Number database to ensure data accuracy and easy identity verification.
During a visit to the FRSC’s Driver’s License Print Farm, Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama confirmed that the contactless system is already operational and will soon be rolled out nationwide, including in Lagos. He also disclosed that the FRSC has reduced its backlog of unprocessed driver’s licenses from 800,000 to 400,000 and is working around the clock to clear the remaining cases. “Our current capacity is 40,000 licenses per day, and we expect to clear everything within a few weeks,” he stated.
Datsama urged Nigerians who have completed biometric capture to check and claim their licenses, noting that over 206,000 licenses are still unclaimed across various states.
