Nigeria Police Force on Sunday suspended the proposed enforcement of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR).
The NPF rather emphasized the benefits and effectiveness of the recently launched e-CMR system in ensuring the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
The e-CMR initiative is designed to collate data provided by vehicle owners and flag stolen vehicles in the system.
According to the police, the e-CMR will provide a firsthand database for curbing vehicular crimes, as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets. The system will also prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals, contributing to the national database and incident report portal generated from other government agencies.
Contrary to recent reports and insinuations, the police have clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative to digitalize policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigerian residents.
In light of this, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has however “ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR, initially scheduled to commence on July 29, 2024. This suspension is to allow for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits, and effectiveness of the system in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes and protecting individual and corporate vehicle ownership.
“The public is urged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. For further inquiries, individuals can contact the 24/7 hotline (02018870133), CMR Command Centre at FHQ Abuja (08117777666, 09169892000), and FHQ Annex Lagos (08117777555, 09169891000). Technical support is also available at cmrtech@npfcmr.ng.
“The police seek the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to embrace the e-CMR system. The IGP has also charged all police officers to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates, as individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificate will be sanctioned accordingly. The enforcement, which will be carried out by only dedicated officers, has been suspended until further notice.”
Meanwhile, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins has described the action of the police high command as “a demonstration of impunity and crass disregard for the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.”
The association filed a lawsuit in February 2024 challenging the legality of the policy, which is still pending in court.
The public is urged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online, while the police have been instructed to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates until further notice.
