The Nigeria Police Force has emphasised the potential advantages of the Electronic Central Motor Registry innovation, which aims to revolutionise the verification and handling of vehicle information on the road.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, at the Force Headquarters Abuja during a press briefing while showcasing the advantages of the eCMR Registration through a victim whose car was stolen in Abuja but recovered in Kwara State at the point of eCMR Registration.
Adejobi said under the leadership of Inspector-General Olukayode Egbetokun, the Electronic Central Motor Registry system has been launched to make roads safer and the policing process smoother.
The FPRO said this new system allows vehicle owners to register their vehicles digitally and provides a quick response for emergencies.
“If your vehicle is registered with the NPF E-CMR and gets stolen, you can instantly flag it as stolen through your online profile,” Adejobi read.
He said the system then alerts all field officers nationwide within seconds, improving the chances of swift recovery.
He also highlighted that one of the benefits of the E-CMR is the removal of paperwork.
“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,” it added.
The victim (name withheld) said his car was stolen in June 2023, and he went to the police station to report and thereafter went online to search for a portal to report stolen vehicles. Upon the search, police eCMR popped up, and he reported about his vehicle that was stolen with the proof of ownership attached to the report.
He further said that he was called immediately to get further details about the car, and he was told that the car had been tracked to Kwara State, where the buyer was about to register the vehicle on the eCMR portal.
“I didn’t pay a dime to anybody, from the process of registering online to the recovery of the car. The police really did their work well, the victim said.
Swift Reporters reported in July 2024 that the IGP ordered the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry.
He said the move was to modernise and digitise the motor vehicle registration system and improve the nation’s safety and security framework.
The police expect a digitalised system to bring greater convenience and speed to vehicle ownership transactions through streamlined documentation and verification.
Adejobi had in June said the E-CMR system would simplify vehicle-related services such as ownership transfers, licence renewals, and updates to engine or chassis details.
He stated that it would also help prevent the sale of stolen vehicles and improve recovery efforts.
With Nigeria’s rapid shift towards digitisation, the Electronic Central Motor Registry (eCMR) is here to make this a reality. This innovative system promises to change how vehicle information is managed and verified, making life easier for every car owner.
The Electronic Central Motor Registry (eCMR) is a modernised version of the traditional Central Motor Registry (CMR), which was previously responsible for issuing physical car registration documents. This upgraded system links each vehicle’s information directly to the owner’s National Identification Number (NIN), creating a more secure and integrated database. This significant improvement allows authorities to easily verify vehicle details and promptly identify issues such as expired registrations, stolen vehicles, or cars connected to criminal activities.
Key Features of eCMR
Digital Record Keeping: All vehicle details will be stored electronically, allowing for easy access and management.
Integration with NIN: The eCMR is linked to the National Identification Number (NIN), ensuring that vehicle ownership information is accurate and up-to-date.
Real-Time Access: Law enforcement agencies will have the ability to retrieve vital vehicle and owner information instantly, enhancing their ability to maintain safety on the roads.
By moving to this system, Nigeria is not just modernising vehicle registration; it’s also paving the way for improved accountability and transparency in vehicle management.
The Benefits of eCMR for Car Owners
The eCMR system would be beneficial to Nigerian car owners in many ways. Below are some of the things the eCMR is designed to cater for:
1. Simplified Vehicle Registration Process
One of the standout benefits of eCMR is its ability to simplify the vehicle registration process. Gone are the days of waiting in long lines or dealing with piles of paperwork. With eCMR, car owners can register their vehicles online, making the entire process quicker and more efficient. Imagine being able to complete your registration from the comfort of your home!
2. Enhanced Security and Verification
Security is a top priority for every car owner, and eCMR delivers on this front. By digitising vehicle records, eCMR reduces the risk of fraud and theft. Law enforcement agencies can quickly verify ownership and registration details at checkpoints, ensuring that only legitimate vehicles are on the road. This system not only protects car owners but also contributes to overall road safety.
3. Reduced Need for Physical Documentation
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of eCMR is the significant reduction in the need for physical documents. Once fully implemented, car owners will no longer have to carry around bulky papers. This change means less stress during inspections, allowing for smoother interactions at checkpoints. The convenience of having everything accessible digitally is a game changer for busy car owners.
How eCMR Will Change Vehicle Management System in Nigeria
Impact on Vehicle Ownership Verification
The introduction of eCMR marks a significant shift in how vehicle ownership is verified in Nigeria. With all records digitised and linked to the National Identification Number (NIN), verifying ownership becomes a straightforward process. This transparency not only builds trust among car owners but also helps eliminate issues related to stolen vehicles.
Benefits for Law Enforcement Agencies
For law enforcement, eCMR is a powerful tool. Officers can access real-time information about vehicles and their owners, allowing them to respond more effectively to any issues on the road. This digital access leads to quicker resolutions and enhances overall public safety. The ability to instantly verify a vehicle’s details means that law enforcement can focus more on preventing crime rather than dealing with paperwork.
eCMR Timeline for Full Implementation and Penalty
As the Police PRO emphasised, the eCMR is a significant step towards digitalising law enforcement in Nigeria. The exact timeline for eCMR’s full implementation may vary, but the Nigerian government is committed to making this transition smooth and efficient.
Once this system is fully operational, cameras will be placed at strategic checkpoints across the country. These cameras will scan the vehicle’s licence plate and instantly check its registration status, owner information, and any criminal activity associated with it.
If the vehicle’s details are valid, the owner can continue driving without interruption. However, if any issues are detected, law enforcement will be notified in real-time.
Refusing to comply could lead to penalties, and as the system rolls out, it may even become a crime not to have your vehicle registered under the eCMR.
As more information becomes available, car owners need to stay updated to ensure a seamless shift to this innovative system.
Why Every Car Owner Must Adopt the eCMR
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), this transition to eCMR is not just a convenience but a necessity for all car owners in Nigeria. The police will soon begin enforcing this system, meaning that those who fail to update their vehicle details in the eCMR database will face penalties. Physical car papers will no longer suffice, and only those vehicles registered under the eCMR will be considered legally compliant.
