The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has announced the immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) initially scheduled to commence on July 29. This decision aims to provide ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education on the e-CMR process, its benefits, and its effectiveness in addressing vehicle-related crimes and protecting vehicle ownership.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the reconfiguration and commencement of the e-CMR registration process have necessitated a focus on public awareness. The initiative is designed to enhance the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, by compiling data entered into the system by vehicle owners and flagging vehicles reported as stolen.
"The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes, allowing dedicated officers to access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets," Adejobi explained.
He further noted that the e-CMR will prevent multiple vehicle registrations and serve as a database to collect biometric and other data of vehicle owners, thus adding value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies towards general security.
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Addressing misconceptions about the initiative, Adejobi stated, "The e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative to digitalize policing for the effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents."
The public is encouraged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. For further inquiries, individuals can contact the 24/7 hotline (02018870133), the CMR Command Centre at FHQ Abuja (08117777666, 09169892000), and FHQ Annex Lagos (08117777555, 09169891000). Technical support is also available at cmrtech@npfcmr.ng.
In light of the suspension, IGP Egbetokun has urged the public to support the e-CMR system and cautioned police officers against requesting e-CMR certificates from the public. "Individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificates will be sanctioned accordingly, as the enforcement will be done by only dedicated officers and has been suspended till further notice," Adejobi emphasized.
This suspension is intended to ensure that citizens and residents are well-informed about the e-CMR system and its benefits, ultimately leading to better cooperation and compliance once enforcement begins.
