The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled plans to link driver’s licence to the bank accounts of the bearers as part of measures to make it compatible with digital payment systems.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this at a workshop on inter-agency collaboration in Abuja on Tuesday.
“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”, he explained.
Represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, he also stated that Nigeria is currently collaborating with other West Africa countries to explore ways of adopting
a unified driver’s licence and vehicle registration system as part of a regional effort to streamline transportation and enhance road safety.
According to him, the FRSC is collaborating with the Economic Community of West African States through the West African Road Safety Organisation to develop a Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.
He added that the initiatives aim to create a standardised system for driver’s licenses, vehicle number plates, and documentation across the region.
According to him, it would also foster the free movement of vehicles, people, goods, and services in ECOWAS countries.
“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 said.
