For over 60 years since the establishment of the Central Motor Registry by the Nigeria Police Force, the mandatory registration of vehicle information was done manually, and therefore fraught with some challenges.
To address the rising sophistication of vehicular crime in the country, the Nigeria Police Force in April 2023, introduced the digitalized Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) for the seamless management of every motor vehicle and its ownership.
With the establishment of the e-CMR, motor vehicle owners are now able to provide information about their vehicles, their ownership and other necessary details that will aid digital age policing remotely by using an internet-enabled device.
Many vehicle owners in Nigeria do not know what steps to follow to apply for their CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificates using the e-CMR portal.
In this article, TheWitness will outline the steps that Nigerian vehicle owners can follow to register for the e-CMR.
In addition, the advantages and benefits for Nigerians enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR portal will be discussed as well.
First and foremost, enrollment of vehicles in the e-CMR portal can only be possible by using an internet-enabled device, such as a personal computer smartphone.
Individuals and corporate bodies should adhere to the following 12 steps to apply for the CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3: Create Profile (if Profile has been created earlier, go to step 8)
Step 4:
Step 5: Confirm email and phone number
Step 6:
Step 7: Personal Information Page (Review uploaded NIN/TIN information)
Step 8: Apply for CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate
Step 9: Choose CMR Request
Step 10: Vehicle Details
Step 11: Request Confirmation (carefully review information for accuracy and genuineness in this stage)
Step 12: User Profile Features
According to the Nigeria Police Force, there are several advantages and benefits for citizens enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR.
One of those advantages is that a digitalized CMR enhances the security of vehicles in the sense that the Police can make use of accurate and real-time vehicle information provided during registration to prevent and swiftly resolve vehicular crimes.
Secondly, the e-CMR equips the Police better to enforce laws related to motor vehicles, such as registration and licensing.
Furthermore, the comprehensive database of the e-CMR portal will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals who might use vehicles for illegal activities. The knowledge that the Police have access to accurate information can discourage criminal behaviour.
The digitalized CMR will also help to expedite investigations, particularly in cases of accidents or disputes involving motor vehicles, thereby providing quick resolution and reducing inconvenience for citizens.
In addition, the Nigeria Police Force maintains that the ability of the Force to maintain accurate vehicular information contributes to national security. It ensures that vehicles associated with criminal activities can be tracked and addressed promptly.
