Driving license: FRSC, ECOWAS to create unified registration system for West Africa

Federal Road Safety Association (FRSC), in collaboration with other West African countries, is preparing to adopt a unified digital driver’s license and vehicle registration system. The registry initiative is a regional effort to improve road safety across the board.

road safety agency and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will start the project through the West African Road Safety Organization (WASO). The trio will work hand in hand to develop the Regional Vehicle Administration and Information System.

While announcing the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed noted the focus of the project. “Creating a standard system” for driver’s licenses.

“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.” he said.

He added that the system will also include the creation of digital license plates and documents across the West African region. “The initiative is aimed at having a common driver’s licence, license plates and documents across West Africa, as well as enforcement of traffic violations and generation of critical data”, he added.

The FRSC boss pointed out that the plan will create free movement of properties and promote seamless vehicle registration in the region.

“Once fully implemented, the program will promote seamless vehicle registration in West Africa and enhance the free movement of vehicles, persons, goods and services as set out in the ECOWAS protocol on free movement,” he said.

Shehu Mohammed also emphasized the security aspect of the initiative. According to him, the project will reduce the number of lost vehicles and multiple registrations. “This initiative will also prevent multiple registrations and help reduce vehicle theft within the ECOWAS sub-region.said Muhammad.

What is a digital driver’s license?

As part of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ plan to improve technology in its system, a digital license plate and driver’s license will be created. The initiative will also include linking driver’s licenses to bank accounts.

While announcing the project, the FRSC boss stated that the agency, along with other WASO members, would begin installing solid acrylic on vehicles.

“FRSC, under the auspices of ECOWAS, is seeking to partner with WASO members to develop digital number plates and motor vehicle details with the installation of weatherproof solid acrylic on vehicles.” he explained.

Shehu Mohammed stated that the startup proposes to link every driver’s license to the owner’s bank account. This will make it compatible with digital payment systems.

Muhammad said: “These initiatives aim to link the national driving license to the holder’s bank account, with details that will not only serve as a debit card but will also be in line with the FRSC’s grand strategy to partner with the banking sector in improving highway enforcement.”

Unified driving license: examples from around the world

Following the initiative of West African countries to create a unified digital driver’s license, many global regions have already started this initiative. members European Union (EU), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Gulf Arab States Cooperation Council (GCC) recognizes a unified driving permit.

The unified driving license in the EU was adopted in January 2013. It allows individuals to move to other EU countries without needing a local driver’s license. However, it can be voluntarily replaced by an equivalent local copy in the driver’s local country.

Unified local driver’s license For ASEAN nationals, this agreement took place in July 1985. The agreement included countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam. It allows citizens to pass through member countries using a single driver’s license.

The unified driver’s license for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is issued to residents who have a residence permit in any country. regions.

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