Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police Suspends e-Central Motor Registry Enforcement

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate suspension of the planned enforcement of the e-Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which was scheduled to commence on July 29.
The suspension comes in response to concerns raised by various stakeholders about the readiness and potential impact of the new digital system.

The suspension comes in response to concerns raised by various stakeholders about the readiness and potential impact of the new digital system.

The e-CMR was introduced as a digital solution to enhance the registration and tracking of motor vehicles in Nigeria. It aims to improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and ensure that vehicle data is centrally managed and easily accessible to law enforcement agencies.

However, the proposed enforcement date faced resistance, with calls for a further evaluation of the system.

Concerns and Suspension

In a statement issued on Monday, Inspector-General Egbetokun highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the e-CMR before its implementation. He emphasized that the suspension is intended to allow for more thorough consultation with relevant stakeholders and to address any issues that have been raised.

“The suspension of the enforcement of the e-CMR is to allow for a more comprehensive assessment and to address any issues that have been raised by stakeholders,” Egbetokun stated.

“We are committed to implementing solutions that enhance public safety and security, but it is crucial that such measures are fully prepared and widely accepted.”

Stakeholder Reactions

The decision has been welcomed by various groups who had expressed reservations about the immediate enforcement of the e-CMR. Critics argued that additional time is needed to educate the public, train relevant personnel, and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the new system.

One concerned stakeholder, a representative of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), stated, “While we support efforts to improve vehicle registration and tracking, it is essential that the system is implemented in a way that does not disrupt the daily activities of motorists and transport workers. The suspension is a step in the right direction.”

Next Steps

As the review process continues, the police force will work closely with stakeholders to address any concerns and to ensure that the system, when implemented, operates smoothly and effectively. Inspector-General Egbetokun has assured the public that the goal of the e-CMR remains to improve the management of motor vehicle information and to support the fight against vehicle-related crimes.

The police leadership remains committed to enhancing security measures and leveraging technology to support law enforcement efforts across Nigeria. The suspension provides an opportunity for more robust discussions and adjustments to be made, ensuring that the e-CMR can achieve its intended benefits without causing undue disruption.

The suspension of the e-CMR enforcement is a significant move that underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement and thorough preparation in the implementation of new systems.

Meanwhile, as Nigeria continues to modernize its vehicle registration processes, the focus will remain on ensuring that such measures contribute effectively to public safety and security.