The FRSC will roll out contactless driver’s licence registration in September with a 48-hour issuance window, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed revealed
FRSC to Launch Contactless Driver’s Licence Registration with 48-Hour Issuance Window
By Lukman Omikunle
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to roll out a contactless driver’s licence registration system with a 48-hour issuance window, in what is set to be the most significant digital upgrade in the agency’s history.
Speaking in an interview with Premium Times, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the new system would be deployed nationwide starting September, with the aim of drastically reducing the months-long delays Nigerians currently face in obtaining driver’s licences.
“We are introducing contactless biometric technology that allows licences to be processed even without internet connectivity. Our target is to reduce the waiting period from three months to just 48 hours,” Mohammed disclosed.
Over the past year, Nigerians have expressed frustration at the backlog of pending licence applications, with many waiting several months after biometric capture. Mohammed acknowledged these challenges, attributing them largely to technical hitches faced by FRSC’s long-term private partners.
“We are not happy with the difficulty Nigerians face in getting their driver’s licences. This new technology, integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN), will solve these bottlenecks and ensure faster issuance,” he assured.
The FRSC boss highlighted other innovations under his leadership, including the FRSC mobile app, real-time monitoring through body cameras, and black-spot alerts for motorists. He noted that the contactless system is part of a broader agenda to make FRSC a fully digital, citizen-friendly agency.
“Our mobile app already helps motorists report misconduct, check licence validity, and receive live safety alerts. This contactless driver’s licence project is another step toward a smarter, technology-driven corps,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed also touched on other pressing issues, including the push for selected FRSC personnel to carry arms for security during patrols, stricter regulation of heavy-duty trucks, and enforcement of traffic rules by VIP convoys.
Despite challenges, he reaffirmed his commitment, “Our ultimate mandate is to reduce road crashes and fatalities. Enforcement, digital transformation, and collaboration with stakeholders remain our key strategies.”
According to Mohammed, the new system will begin its rollout this September and could take one to two months to achieve nationwide coverage. Once fully operational, Nigerians applying for a fresh licence or renewal can expect issuance within two days, provided they meet all requirements. Read More
