The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR, initially scheduled to commence on July 29, 2024.
This directive comes barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had given vehicle owners until July 29 to register for the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which costs 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 reveals that the suspension aims to provide ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits, and effectiveness of the e-CMR in solving vehicle-related crimes and protecting individual and corporate 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 part.
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 members of the public under the pretense of enforcing e-CMR compliance will face sanctions, the statement noted.
Furthermore, the NPF clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative aimed at digitalizing policing to enhance effectiveness and ensure the general safety of lives and property for residents of Nigeria.
Potential Benefits of the e-CMR
The statement also highlighted the potential benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR, noting that the initiative is designed to enhance the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles. By collating data inputted by vehicle owners, the system can flag vehicles if they are reported stolen.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that the e-CMR will provide the Police Force with a firsthand database to curb vehicular crimes, allowing dedicated officers to access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.
The e-CMR will also prevent multiple vehicle registrations and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners. This will add value to the national database and integrate with incident reports generated from other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, contributing to overall security, the statement noted.
What You Should Know
Earlier, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had given vehicle owners in Nigeria until July 29 to register for the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which costs N5,375 per vehicle.
Registration can only be completed using an internet-enabled device, such as a personal computer or smartphone.
To register, vehicle owners must create a profile on the portal https://cmris.npf.gov.ng, providing their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, phone number, and home address. When registering a vehicle, the vehicle’s license number, chassis number, and engine number are required.
Additionally, an ATM card is needed to make payments on the platform.
Detailed Analysis of the e-CMR Suspension
The decision to suspend the e-CMR enforcement reflects the importance of ensuring that all citizens and residents are well-informed about the new system. The initial rush to meet the deadline might have led to confusion and non-compliance, which the suspension aims to mitigate. The need for thorough enlightenment and education cannot be overemphasized, as it ensures that the benefits of the e-CMR are fully realized and understood by the public.
Moreover, the IGP’s directive to police officers to refrain from requesting e-CMR certificates highlights a commitment to preventing any form of exploitation or extortion. This move is crucial in maintaining public trust in the police force and ensuring that the transition to a digital system is smooth and free from abuse.
The e-CMR system, once fully implemented, promises to be a significant tool in combating vehicle-related crimes. By providing a comprehensive database of all vehicles, it will make it easier for law enforcement to track and recover stolen vehicles. The integration of biometric and other data will further enhance the accuracy and reliability of the system, making it a valuable addition to Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
In conclusion, the suspension of the e-CMR enforcement is a strategic decision aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the new system. The focus on education and prevention of exploitation underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to making the e-CMR a successful and beneficial initiative for all.
