The Nigeria Police Force has declared its intention to start enforcing the use of the electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) by all vehicle owners.
In a statement released on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, announced that the move is part of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s efforts to improve national security and protect lives and property.
Starting from July 29, 2024, the police will begin enforcing the e-CMR, which aims to modernize and digitize vehicle registration, thereby strengthening the country’s security infrastructure.
The FPRO said: “The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data, designed to support police investigations, operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
“The transition to a digitalized system will streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
“Following the directives of the IGP, services such as change of ownership, change of license number, change of engine, and change of chassis/body would become seamless as the e-CMR system would ensure the validation of vehicle genuineness and ownership, enhancing the ability to track and recover stolen vehicles effectively, and preventing the purchase of stolen vehicles by innocent buyers.
“Prior to the enforcement itself, the IGP has ordered full publicity of the e-CMR and its enforcement to all members of the public intimating them of the requirements, processes, and the enforcement procedures.
“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 CMR Command Centre at FHQ Abuja (08117777666, 09169892000) and FHQ Annex Lagos (08117777555, 09169891000). Technical support is also available at cmftech@npfcmr.ng.”
Adejobi said the police, while seeking for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents on this initiative, remains committed to leveraging technology and strategic approaches to enhance public safety and national security.
He added: “The enforcement of the e-CMR is necessary to ensure a safer and secure environment for vehicle ownership and decimate the trend of vehicle theft by greatly reducing the possibility of selling stolen vehicles in the country.
“We therefore urge all vehicle owners and users to embrace and key into this initiative promptly for optimum safety and security.”
