The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has suspended the enforcement of the digitalized central motor registry (e-CMR) indefinitely. This decision was made by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in response to public outcry and concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association - Section of Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL).
The initial plan was to commence enforcement of the e-CMR on July 29, 2024, as announced by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday.
However, the IGP has now ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement to allow for "mass enlightenment and education" of Nigerians on the initiative.
Adejobi clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform, but rather an initiative to digitize policing for the effectiveness and general safety of Nigerians. He added that the system is designed to support police investigations and combat vehicle-related crimes by creating a real-time online archive of vehicle data.
The IGP has also warned police officers against extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificates, stating that any individual found doing so will be sanctioned accordingly.
