The Nigerian police have announced the suspension of the enforcement of the controversial electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) on vehicle owners.
Initially scheduled to begin on July 29, the enforcement would have imposed sanctions on vehicle owners without the e-CMR.
In a statement on Sunday, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi defended the decision to issue the certificate to vehicle owners who pay for it. “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 wrote.
Mr. Adejobi explained that Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun suspended the enforcement to allow for extensive public awareness and education on the e-CMR process.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 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.”
