Nigeria, West African Countries To Implement Unified Driver’s License And Vehicle Registration System

Nigeria, in collaboration with other West African nations, is set to introduce a unified driver’s license and vehicle registration system aimed at streamlining transportation and enhancing road safety across the region.

This initiative is part of a broader effort coordinated through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Road Safety Organisation.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, announced the development at an inter-agency collaboration workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, Mohammed explained that the initiative would create a standardized system for driver’s licenses, vehicle number plates, and related documentation, ensuring consistency across member states.

This new system, known as the Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System, will facilitate easier cross-border movement of vehicles, goods, and people within ECOWAS countries, promoting regional integration and road safety.

The initiative is expected to improve the efficiency of vehicle administration and enhance data sharing, ultimately fostering a more cohesive transportation framework across West Africa.

Mohammed said, “FRSC is partnering with ECOWAS through the West African Road Safety Organisation to work on the adoption of a uniform licensing scheme called the Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.

“The initiative is geared towards having a common driver’s license, vehicle number plates, and documentation, as well as the enforcement of traffic infractions and generation of critical data across West Africa. The scheme, when fully implemented, will promote seamless vehicle registration in West Africa and enhance the free movement of vehicles, persons, goods, and services, as enshrined in the ECOWAS protocol on free movement.

“It will also prevent multiple registrations and assist in reducing vehicle theft within the ECOWAS subregion. FRSC, under the auspices of ECOWAS, is working towards partnering with members of WASO to develop digital number plates and motor vehicle particulars with the installation of solid acrylic that is weather-resistant in vehicles.”

He also mentioned that the initiative proposes linking each driver’s license to the holder’s bank account, making it compatible with digital payment systems.

Mohammed said, “These initiatives aim to link the national driver’s license to the owner’s bank account, details which will not only serve as debit cards but are also in line with the FRSC’s grand strategy to partner with the banking sector in enhancing highway enforcement.”