The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of the electronic central motor registry (E-Motor Registry) registration for vehicle owners, following widespread public criticism.
The suspension follows a prior announcement by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, that the enforcement of the e-CMR was to commence on July 29. The directive sparked backlash from Nigerians, who accused the police of creating an opportunity to extort vehicle owners.
John Aikpokpo-Martins, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, condemned the directive, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
In a statement released on Sunday, Adejobi confirmed the suspension of the e-CMR enforcement. He emphasized the need to educate citizens on the initiative, which is designed to secure vehicles.
Adejobi stated, “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. This initiative is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, by collating data inputted into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.”
He added that the e-CMR would provide the police with a firsthand database to curb vehicular crimes, allowing officers to access real-time comprehensive data on every vehicle via their tablets.
The system aims to prevent multiple registrations of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners, enhancing the national database and incident report portal.
He debunked claims that the e-CMR was a revenue-generating platform, stating, “Contrary to news making the rounds 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 the effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.”
Following the public outcry, IGP Egbetokun ordered the immediate suspension of the enforcement initially scheduled for July 29.
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 addressing vehicle-related crimes and protecting vehicle ownership.
Adejobi called for the understanding of the citizens and encouraged them to embrace the initiative.
Nigeria Police Force To Enforce E-Motor Registry
Report Afrique reported last week that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the imminent enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) in a bid to enhance national security and combat vehicle-related crimes. According to the last week report, the e-CMR enforcement were to begin on July 29, 2024, following a 14-day grace period for vehicle owners to register and obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online.
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