Following widespread criticism from Nigerians and the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Police Force has indefinitely suspended its plans to enforce the electronic central motor registry (e-CMR) registration.

The initial 14-day deadline, which was set to commence on July 12, was deemed too sudden by many, prompting the police to reassess their strategy. In a statement released on Sunday, the police announced that the enforcement exercise would be put on hold to allow for the reconfiguration of the e-CMR system. According to ACP Olumuwiya Adejobi, the suspension will enable the police to revamp the e-CMR, a move that is expected to address the concerns raised by the public and the legal community.

Now that the deadline has been suspended indefinitely, here’s what you need to know about the e-CMR. For more than six decades, the Nigeria Police Force's Central Motor Registry has relied on manual registration of vehicle information, leading to various challenges. To combat the growing complexity of vehicular crime, the force launched the digital Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) in April 2023, enabling efficient management of motor vehicles and their ownership. The e-CMR platform allows vehicle owners to remotely provide essential information about their vehicles, ownership, and other necessary details, facilitating digital-age policing. However, many Nigerian vehicle owners are unclear about the process of obtaining their CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificates through the e-CMR portal. This article aims to guide Nigerian vehicle owners through the registration process on the e-CMR portal. Additionally, it will highlight the benefits and advantages of enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR system.

Obtaining an e-CMR certificate costs a non-refundable fee of ₦5,375.00.

To apply for the CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate, individuals and corporate bodies must follow these 12 steps using an internet-enabled device: 1. Access the official website at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. 2. Click on "Get Started." 3. Create a profile (if not already created) by selecting the profile type (Personal or Organisation), entering the identification number (NIN for Personal, TIN for Organisation), and verifying the information. 4. If the identity is verified, proceed to the next step. 5. Confirm the email address and phone number. Update the information if necessary, and receive a token through the current phone number and valid email address. 6. Enter the token and confirm it to proceed.

To complete the e-CMR registration process, follow these steps:

Step 1

Review your personal information, ensuring your NIN/TIN details are accurate. Verify your current state and local government of residence, and confirm whether your NIN/TIN address matches your current residential address. If not, provide your current address. If you made an error, click "Change Selection" to correct it. Then, create and confirm a password before proceeding.

Step 2

Log in to the system using your email or phone number and the password you created earlier. Click "Login" to access the portal.

Step 3

Select the type of CMR request you want to make, choosing from the available options. You can request a single certificate for one vehicle or a fleet certificate for multiple vehicles.

Step 4

Provide the necessary vehicle details, including the category and plate number type. Enter the state where the vehicle was registered and the state where you are requesting the CMR service.

Step 5

Carefully review the information you've provided to ensure its accuracy and authenticity. Once you're satisfied, click "Proceed" to view the invoice and make payment.

Step 6

After completing the registration process, you can access various features in your user profile, including viewing your requests, sold vehicles, and printing certificates. You can also update your password, email, and phone number, or log out of the portal.

The Nigeria Police Force highlights several benefits of enrolling your vehicle in the e-CMR. One major advantage is that digitalized CMR enhances vehicle security, enabling the Police to access accurate and real-time information to prevent and resolve vehicular crimes. The e-CMR also enables the Police to better enforce motor vehicle laws and regulations. Additionally, the comprehensive database serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, discouraging illegal activities.

By transitioning to a digitalized Central Motor Registry (CMR), Nigeria will streamline investigations into accidents and disputes involving motor vehicles, leading to faster resolutions and reduced hassle for citizens. This digital upgrade will also enhance national security by enabling the police to maintain precise records of vehicles, thereby facilitating the swift tracking and addressing of those linked to criminal activities. Notably, the shift from manual to digital processing of CMR documents and certificates through the Nigeria Police Force's online portal renders all previously issued certificates invalid, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to modernize its motor registry system.