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The <a target="_blank" href="https://frsc.gov.ng/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal Road Safety Corps</a> (FRSC), in collaboration with other West African countries, is set to adopt a unified digital driver’s license and vehicle registration system. The registration initiative is a regional effort to enhance road safety across boards.&nbsp; 
The road safety agency and the <a href="https://www.ecowas.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Economic Community of West African States</a> (ECOWAS) will embark on the project through the West African Road Safety Organization (WASO). The trio will work hand-in-hand to develop a Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
While disclosing the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, stated that the project is centred on “creating a standardized system” for driver’s licenses. 
“FRSC is partnering with ECOWAS through the West African Road Safety Organization to work on the adoption of a uniform licensing scheme called the Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System,” he said.&nbsp; 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2056" height="1272" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-10.png" alt="₦2,000 bribe for a driver’s licence: reasons the FRSC process is riddled with needless bottlenecks" class="wp-image-234684">
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 FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed
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He added that the system will also involve the creation of digital number plates and documentation across the West African region. “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”, he added. 
The FRSC boss pointed out that the scheme will create free movement of properties and promote hitch-free vehicle registration in the region. 
“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,” he said.&nbsp; 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="577" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/frsc_logo3-1062x598-1024x577.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3997">
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Shehu Mohammed also stressed the security angle of the initiative. According to him, the project will reduce the count of missing vehicles and multiple registrations. “This initiative will also prevent multiple registrations and assist in reducing vehicle theft within the ECOWAS sub-region,” Mohammed said.&nbsp; 
<h4 id="what-is-a-digital-drivers-license" class="wp-block-heading">What is a digital driver’s license?</h4> 
As part of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ plan for technology enhancement in its system, it is set to create a digital number plate and driver’s license. The initiative will also include linking driver’s licenses to their bank accounts. 
While explaining the project, the FRSC boss noted that the agency alongside other WASO members will begin to install solid acrylic in vehicles. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized">
 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="450" height="315" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Drivers-License.png" alt="A Nigerian Driver's license" class="wp-image-238534" style="width: 100%;height:auto">
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 A Nigerian Driver’s License
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</figure> 
“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 explained. 
Shehu Mohammed mentioned that the initiative proposes linking each driver’s license to the holder’s bank account. This will make 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.” 
<h4 id="unified-drivers-license-examples-from-across-the-globe" class="wp-block-heading">Unified driver’s license: examples from across the globe</h4> 
Following West African countries’ initiative to create a unified digital driver’s license, several global regions had formerly embarked on the initiative. Members of the <a target="_blank" href="https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-exchange-recognition/index_en.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Union</a> (EU),&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASEAN" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN), and <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Cooperation_Council" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf</a> (GCC) recognize a unified driver’s permit. 
The unified driver’s license in the EU was adopted in January 2013. It allows individuals to move to other EU countries without needing a local license. However, it can be exchanged for an equivalent local copy in the driver’s local country voluntarily.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="646" height="405" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Driving_licence_Poland_2013_recto.png" alt="Driver's license" class="wp-image-238554">
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 A European Union Driver’s License
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</figure> 
The unified <a href="https://agreement.asean.org/media/download/20140119161921.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic driver’s license</a> for ASEAN citizens happened in July 1985. The agreement included countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam. It allows citizens to drive through member countries using one license.&nbsp; 
For the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the unified driver’s license is given to residents who have resident permits in any of its regions. 
<a href="https://technext24.com/2024/08/18/%E2%82%A62000-can-work-your-drivers-licence/#google_vignette">Also Read: ₦2,000 bribe for a driver’s licence: reasons the FRSC process is riddled with needless bottlenecks</a>
The post <a href="https://technext24.com/2024/10/30/unified-drivers-license-for-west-africa/">Driver’s license: FRSC, ECOWAS to create a unified registration system for West Africa</a> first appeared on <a href="https://technext24.com">Technext</a>.

Driver’s license: FRSC, ECOWAS to create a unified registration system for West Africa

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