IGP suspends proposed vehicle registration enforcement

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has halted the enforcement of the electronic central motor registry (e-CMR) registration for vehicle owners across Nigeria.

This decision comes after significant public backlash against the initiative, which was initially scheduled to begin on July 29.

Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi had announced the enforcement date on Saturday, prompting widespread criticism. Many Nigerians accused the police of using the e-CMR as a means to extort vehicle owners.

John Aikpokpo-Martins, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, also condemned the directive, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

In a statement released on Sunday, Adejobi revealed that IG Egbetokun had decided to suspend the enforcement. He emphasized the need for better public awareness about the e-CMR, which aims to secure vehicles by collating and utilizing data provided by vehicle owners.

“Following the reconfiguration and commencement of the electronic central motor registry registration process, the Police have deemed it necessary to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative,” Adejobi said.

“This system is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, by collating data inputted by vehicle owners and acting on it to flag vehicles if reported stolen,” he added.

Adejobi explained that the e-CMR would provide the police with a comprehensive, real-time database of vehicles to help curb vehicular crimes. It would also prevent multiple registrations of vehicles and serve as a repository for biometric and other data of vehicle owners, contributing to the national security database.

He clarified that the e-CMR was not intended as a revenue-generating platform but as a digital policing initiative to enhance the safety of lives and property in Nigeria.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024. This suspension is to allow 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 vehicle ownership,” Adejobi stated.

He urged citizens to support the initiative and warned police officers against demanding e-CMR certificates from vehicle owners, stating that any officer caught doing so would face sanctions.

“We seek the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system,” Adejobi added.

“The IGP charges all Police officers to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates. Any officer found extorting or exploiting the public under the guise of the e-CMR will be sanctioned accordingly as the enforcement has been suspended until further notice.”