22nd September, 2010
In its determination to restore the integrity of the Nigerian drivers’ licence and improve the capacity of the National uniform licensing scheme, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has set aside 1 October and 1 December 2010 to launch a new drivers’ licence and vehicle number plates respectively.
Speaking at an interactive forum with Corps’ commanding officers, the FRSC Corps marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka stated that part of the objectives for the roll out plan include the standardization and enhancement o drivers’ licence, upgrade of Information Processing Centres, to reduce processing time, clean up of drivers’ licence data base, establishment of a one-stop-shop for the processing of application, payment of processing fees and physical capture of applicant’s data and central print farm for the production of drivers licence.
Similarly, on-line payment for driver’s license has been introduced while the FRSC has taken initial steps to computerize about 212 duty rooms located in its formations spread across the country, to further build a digital-enabled capacity to administer and collate data bordering on traffic offenders.
Additional modalities for the proposed new drivers’ license, which has been endorsed by the Joint Tax Board include, the introduction of new measures for processing and production of drivers license such as, the sponsorship of fresh applicants by FRSC accredited driving schools, practical and theory driving tests and re-tests to be conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Office and the FRSC, on-line payment by successful applicants which, will be followed by physical capture of applicant’s biometrics and issuance of a temporary paper driving license at the one-step shop which will accommodate the FRSC, VIO an the Motor Licensing Authority valid for a month before production of the drivers’ license at the central print farm at the FRSC. The issuing desk of the Motor Licensing Authority, located at the one-stop-shop will further undertake delivery of produced drivers’ license to owners as part of the measures to stamp out parallel production, ensure reduction in processing time and also build a reliable data base on the drivers license.
Details of the proposed new drivers’ license indicate improved security features such as laser perforator, ghost portrait, over lapping data, altered front, variable micro script and split fountain printing.