Corps Marshall Shehu Mohammed

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has said Nigerians will soon be able to obtain their driver’s licence within 48 hours, as the corps prepares to roll out a new contactless biometric technology for driver’s licence issuance.

In an exclusive interview, Mr Mohammed explained that the initiative is expected to take off by mid-September, with full nationwide coverage in the months ahead.

“We are introducing contactless biometric technology, whereby even if there is no internet at our facilities, we will still be able to capture applicants’ details and issue their driver’s licence. Our target is 48 hours, compared to the current three-month process,” he said.

Tackling Licensing and Number Plate Delays

The Corps Marshal acknowledged public frustrations over delays in processing driver’s licences and number plates, blaming the challenges partly on technical partners and reliance on imported materials. He, however, assured that recent reforms and equipment upgrades would drastically cut waiting periods.

On number plates, he disclosed that factories nationwide have resumed production after turnaround maintenance, reducing waiting time in most states.

Digital Transformation and Mobile App

Highlighting his reforms since assuming office, Mr Mohammed said FRSC has launched a mobile app that allows motorists to check driver’s licences, verify number plates, report personnel misconduct, and receive alerts about road hazards and speeding vehicles in real time.

He also revealed that operatives are now equipped with body cameras, monitored live from FRSC headquarters to enhance transparency during enforcement.

Push for Personnel to Carry Arms

On the controversial issue of arming FRSC officers, the Corps Marshal confirmed that the House of Representatives has already approved a bill empowering the corps to establish a trained squad that can carry arms.

He stressed that only a special detachment of well-trained officers would be armed, not every operative, to help address rising threats from violent motorists and reckless heavy-duty truck operators.

Addressing Road Safety Challenges

Mr Mohammed admitted that while road crashes have reduced, fatalities have slightly increased due to multiple fatal accidents involving overloaded vehicles.

To tackle this, FRSC is:

• Increasing public sensitisation through town hall meetings, churches, mosques, and radio broadcasts.
• Expanding enforcement operations, particularly during the “ember months.”
• Strengthening collaboration with unions, ministries, and global partners for funding, alcohol-testing equipment, and technical support.

VIP Traffic Violations and Public Complaints

Asked about the impunity of some VIPs, including governors, ministers, and lawmakers who flout traffic rules, Mr Mohammed admitted that FRSC operatives face limitations due to the presence of armed escorts.

“We document violations and write officially to their ministries. But enforcement against armed convoys requires collaboration with higher authorities,” he explained.

On cases of corruption among personnel, he confirmed that officers found guilty are dismissed, with some having their salaries stopped and appointments terminated.

Heavy-Duty Trucks and Stolen Vehicles

Mr Mohammed revealed that FRSC recovered 76 stolen vehicles in 2023 and 38 so far this year through its centralised database, which also collaborates with international security agencies such as the FBI to track stolen cars shipped into Nigeria.