Why IGP Suspended Enforcement of E-CMR

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate suspension of the enforcement of the controversial Electronic Central Motor Registry (E-CMR) programme, responding to public concerns and sentiments.

The E-CMR is an innovative tool promoted by the IGP to help contain crimes and ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles. It aims to store vehicle owners’ information in a central database maintained by the Police, which can significantly improve the real-time tracking of vehicles when necessary.

However, due to public confusion and outcry over insufficient information about the application, IGP Egbetokun, through a circular signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, announced the review of the enforcement start date, initially set for July 29. The suspension is intended to allow the Police to embark on a mass enlightenment campaign to educate the public on the application and the benefits it promises, aiming to ensure the safety of lives and vehicle security.

Previously, a group of lawyers under the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) had called on the IGP to withdraw the commencement of the E-CMR, describing it as illegal. However, the NBA leadership later dismissed NBA-SPIDEL as an illegal body without authority to direct the Police.

Despite this, ACP Adejobi emphasized the substantial benefits of the E-CMR in public statements. He highlighted that the system will safeguard and secure all types of vehicles in the country, including motorcycles, by storing vehicle owners’ information in a central databank accessible to all police commands, allowing for swift action in cases of theft or emergencies

The Press statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, dated July 14, 2024.

“E-CMR: POLICE HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS, EFFICIENCY OF APPLICATION TO CURB VIOLENT CRIMES

As IGP Orders Suspension of Enforcement Process, Massive Enlightenment of Nigerian Residents

Following the reconfiguration and commencement of the electronic central motor registry registration process (e-CMR), the Police has deemed it necessary to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative which is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles including motorcycles by collating data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.

The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets. Similarly, the e-CMR will prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals, adding value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security.

Furthermore, contrary to news making the round and insinuations about the e-CMR, the NPF wishes to state categorically 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 Nigeria residents.

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.

Members of the public are 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.

In light of this, we seek the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system. In the same vein, the IGP charges all Police officers to desist from requesting for e-CMR certificates as individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates will be sanctioned accordingly as the enforcement which will be done by only dedicated officers has been suspended till further notice.”