The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the suspension of the proposed enforcement of the electronic central motor registry (e-CMR), initially set for July 29, 2024. This suspension will allow for mass public education on the system’s process, benefits and effectiveness in tackling vehicle-related crimes.
The Nigerian Police Force has recently highlighted the benefits and effectiveness of the newly launched e-CMR system. This initiative aims to enhance vehicle safety and security, including for motorcycles, by collating data from vehicle owners and flagging stolen vehicles in the system.
The e-CMR system is designed to provide a comprehensive database for curbing vehicular crimes. Dedicated officers can access real-time data on their tablets, preventing multiple vehicle registrations and collating biometric and other data of vehicle owners. This contributes to the national database and integrates incident reports from other government agencies.
Contrary to recent reports, the police clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but a digital policing initiative aimed at enhancing safety and security.
Citizens are encouraged to obtain their digitised CMR certificates online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. For further inquiries, a 24/7 hotline (02018870133) and the CMR Command Centre at FHQ Abuja (08117777666, 09169892000) and FHQ Annex Lagos (08117777555, 09169891000) are available. Technical support can be reached at cmrtech@npfcmr.ng.
The police urge all Nigerians and residents to support the e-CMR system. IGP Egbetokun has directed police officers to refrain from requesting e-CMR certificates, warning that any officers found extorting or exploiting the public will face sanctions. Enforcement of the e-CMR, to be conducted by dedicated officers, is suspended until further notice.
However, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins criticised the police’s move as “a demonstration of impunity and crass disregard for the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.” The association has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the policy, which remains pending in court.