Over 400,000 Driver’s Licences Unclaimed in Nigeria, FRSC Says
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that 427,675 driver’s licences remain unclaimed by applicants nationwide as of March 9, 2025. The figure was revealed by the Corps’ Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
A total of 1,047,148 licences were produced across the country in 2025. This means that only 619,473 licences were actually collected by applicants, highlighting a significant gap between issuance and retrieval. Ogungbemide stated that the collection process has been simplified, yet poor turnout persists.
The officer emphasised that a driver’s licence is more than a permit to operate a vehicle; it is a vital security document recognised by various institutions for identification and verification purposes.
Ogungbemide urged all applicants with ready licences to visit FRSC offices promptly. He stressed that timely collection is essential for legal compliance and overall road safety. The Corps also reaffirmed its commitment to technological reforms aimed at improving service delivery in licence issuance.
The statement included a stern warning to motorists driving without valid licences. Ogungbemide described the act as irresponsible and a disservice to public safety. He noted that regardless of driving experience, unlicensed drivers are considered a danger on the roads.
“Boasting about years of driving without a licence is not an achievement but an act of lawlessness,” he said. “You may evade authorities temporarily, but the law will eventually catch up.”
The unclaimed licences present both an administrative challenge and a public awareness issue. For the FRSC, ensuring that issued documents reach their owners is a critical step in strengthening documentation for road users. The Corps continues to advocate for full compliance with licensing requirements as part of its broader mission to reduce crashes and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
Drivers are advised to verify the status of their applications and complete collection without delay.
