The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the suspension of the enforcement of the Electronic Central Motor Registry Registration Process (e-CMR), initially set to begin on July 29, 2024.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the suspension is intended to provide time for a comprehensive public awareness campaign about the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative. This digital system aims to enhance vehicle safety and security by compiling data provided by vehicle owners, allowing for quick identification of stolen vehicles among other functionalities.

The statement clarified that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating initiative but a digital policing effort aimed at improving the safety and security of Nigerian residents. The public is encouraged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng.

IGP Egbetokun also warned police officers against demanding e-CMR certificates, stating that any officer found exploiting or extorting the public under the guise of e-CMR enforcement will be sanctioned.

The suspension follows an ultimatum from the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), which called for the immediate reversal of the directive. NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun questioned the legal authority of the Nigeria Police Force to issue CMRIS Certificates, asserting that no law grants the police such powers. They demanded the cessation of the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS Certificates, the shutdown of registration websites and centers, and refunds for those who had already paid the registration fee.