FOLLOWING widespread criticism, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has suspended the planned enforcement of the controversial e-CMR on vehicle owners due to commence on July 29.
The Police had threatened to sanctions vehicle owners without the e-CMR.
But many Nigerians condemned the planned enforcement, with the Nigeria Bar Association giving the Force one week to rescind the decision, insisting it was not the duty of the Police to issue such vehicle documents.
The Force finally bowed to the mounting pressure, as Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi (ACP), in a statement on Sunday, July 14, while defending the decision to issue the certificate to vehicle owners who pay for it, said: “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.”
He, however, stated that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of the certificate to allow for ‘mass enlightenment’ of Nigerians.
He stated: “The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on July 29, 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.”
He added: “Members of the public are urged to obtain the digitalised CMR certificate online at 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.”
