In a significant move to modernize policing, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that officers will no longer stop vehicles to check documentation, thanks to the introduction of the digital Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR).
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the NPF, shared the update via a post on his X account, emphasizing the benefits of the new system. He stated, “No more stopping to check papers—our officers are equipped with cutting-edge tech to verify documents in real time. With the NPF’s new E-CMR system, you don’t need to carry around physical documents. Access all your vehicle info digitally—quick, easy, and secure.”
The e-CMR initiative aims to streamline vehicle documentation and improve the efficiency of vehicle-related services. Adejobi highlighted that vehicle owners will have access to all necessary information digitally, reducing the need for physical documents. In case of theft, users will be able to flag their vehicle as stolen through their online profiles, which will alert field officers nationwide within seconds. This real-time capability is expected to enhance recovery efforts significantly.
The transition to the e-CMR system follows a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in July 2024, aimed at digitizing the motor vehicle registration system to bolster national safety and security. Adejobi noted that the digital framework will provide greater convenience in vehicle ownership transactions, including ownership transfers, license renewals, and updates to engine or chassis details.
The NPF believes that the e-CMR system will not only improve the efficiency of policing but also help combat issues such as the sale of stolen vehicles, further enhancing public safety. As the police prepare to implement this innovative solution, many are hopeful that it will bring a new era of convenience and security to vehicle ownership in Nigeria.