In a move aimed at modernizing transportation regulation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled plans for a contactless digital driver’s licence, expected to streamline the licensing process and enhance security.
According to the announcement, the new licence will be accessible via digital platforms, reducing reliance on physical cards and enabling real-time authentication and verification. The system is projected to improve ease of issuance, minimize fraud, and integrate with other digital identity systems.
Officials said the digital licence will operate with near-field communication (NFC) or scanning technologies, allowing law enforcement and regulatory bodies to confirm the legitimacy of a licence at checkpoints or roadblocks instantly. The move comes in line with broader national digital transformation goals.
FRSC stated that pilots will commence in select states before full nationwide rollout. The digital format will also integrate with databases such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and vehicle registration systems to cross-verify driver information and driving records — improving enforcement and accountability.
To ensure inclusivity, the Corps pledged that holders of existing licences will be able to migrate to the digital format at no extra cost, and that physical copies will remain valid during the transition. Training and public awareness campaigns will accompany the rollout to facilitate adaptation by motorists, particularly in rural areas.
