Nigeria and West African Nations to Introduce Unified Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
Nigeria, in collaboration with other West African countries, is moving towards a unified driver’s license and vehicle registration system as part of a regional initiative to enhance transportation efficiency and road safety. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) to establish a Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.
Speaking at an inter-agency workshop in Abuja, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, outlined plans for standardizing driver’s licenses, vehicle number plates, and documentation across ECOWAS countries. This system will support the free movement of vehicles, people, goods, and services within the region, aligning with ECOWAS protocols.
“The initiative will enable a common driver’s license, vehicle number plates, and a unified system for tracking traffic violations and essential data,” Mohammed said. “This seamless vehicle registration across West Africa will reduce issues like multiple registrations and vehicle theft.”
The initiative will also link driver’s licenses to the holder’s bank account, allowing them to function as digital payment tools. The FRSC aims to implement digital, weather-resistant number plates and secure motor vehicle documentation. Mohammed added, “The strategy aims to enhance highway enforcement through banking partnerships, integrating payment solutions directly with the driver’s license.”
This collaborative effort between FRSC, ECOWAS, and WARSO is seen as a significant step toward achieving smoother cross-border travel and enhancing regional road safety.