The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has halted the proposed enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which was initially set to begin on July 29, 2024. This directive follows an earlier announcement giving vehicle owners a deadline to register for the e-CMR at a cost of N5,375 per vehicle.
The announcement was made in a statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja. The statement clarified that the suspension aims to provide adequate time for widespread public education on the process, benefits, and effectiveness of the e-CMR in tackling vehicle-related crimes and safeguarding vehicle ownership.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July 2024. This is to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits, and effectiveness in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes, and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership,” the statement read.
In light of the suspension, the IGP has directed all police officers to refrain from requesting e-CMR certificates. Any officer found extorting or exploiting the public under the guise of enforcing e-CMR compliance will face sanctions, the statement emphasized.
The NPF also clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative aimed at enhancing the digitalization of policing to improve the effectiveness and ensure the safety of lives and property for residents of Nigeria. The system is designed to improve the security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, by flagging vehicles reported as stolen through data inputted by vehicle owners.
The e-CMR will provide the Police Force with a comprehensive database to curb vehicular crimes, allowing officers to access real-time data of every vehicle via tablets. The system will also prevent multiple vehicle registrations and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners, adding value to the national database and integrating incident reports from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Previously, the Nigeria Police Force had given vehicle owners until July 29 to register for the e-CMR. Registration can be completed using an internet-enabled device, such as a personal computer or smartphone, by creating a profile on the portal https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. Vehicle owners need to provide their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, phone number, home address, vehicle’s license number, chassis number, and engine number. An ATM card is required for making payments on the platform.
