Nigeria’s road safety agency and national identity commission have announced a deepened partnership to harmonise citizen data, a move officials say is critical for national security and modernising the country’s transport sector.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) met in Abuja on Thursday to streamline how identity is tracked on the nation’s highways. Under the new strategic alliance, the National Identification Number (NIN) will be strictly enforced as a mandatory requirement for both vehicle registration and obtaining a driver’s licence.
Data as a security tool
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, told officials that “credible identity management” is now the backbone of effective law enforcement. The goal is to create a “secure and intelligent nation” where every driver is accurately identified, making it easier to track offenders and manage road traffic accidents.” Closer institutional collaboration will accelerate innovation, improve data accuracy, and enhance operational efficiency across agencies,” Mr Mohammed said. The FRSC is also pushing for a seat at the table of the country’s Annual Identity Forum, arguing that its role in licensing makes it a “frontline identity manager” for millions of Nigerians.
Digital transformation
The move comes as Nigeria seeks to digitise its governance structures to tackle long-standing issues with identity fraud and insecurity. The Director General of NIMC, Adesoye Coker, pledged her commission’s support for the integration, praising recent efforts to modernise the FRSC’s operations.
Key pillars of the agreement include:Mandatory NIN: Strict enforcement for all motoring documentation. Traceability: Using digital IDs to track vehicles and owners across state lines. Crash Reduction: Using data analytics to better understand and prevent road accidents.
The partnership marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s broader ambition to build a technology-driven identity architecture, aimed at fostering accountability and safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads.
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