POLICE ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATION OF DIGITALIZED CENTRAL MOTOR REGISTRY
By Aishat Momoh. O.
…… calls on driving schools for support in Combating vehicles related crimes
…… two CMR Command Centres, strategically situated in Abuja and Lagos, play pivotal roles in streamlining CMR operations
The Nigeria Police Force”s Public Relations Officer, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, has announced the transformation of the Nigerian Police Force Central Motor Registry (CMR) in the fight against vehicle related crimes.
The Force PRO made the announcement on Thursday, during a press briefing at the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja.
According to Mr. Adejobi, the transformation is a representation of a crucial milestone in the commitment of the police to safeguard the public’s safety and enhancing the capacity to combat motor vehicle-associated crimes in the country.
He recalled that in the past, our Nigeria struggled with various vehicle-related offenses, including car theft, snatching, kidnapping, carjacking, hit-and-run incidents, largely attributed to the use of unregistered vehicles, tinted windows, among other factors, which posed as significant challenges across the country.
He noted that, “This worrisome trend prompted a strategic response from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), leading to the deployment of specialized border forces aimed at curbing these criminal activities. In light of these efforts, the NPF rejigged the Central Motor Registry (CMR), a vital initiative that has played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.”
“This forward-looking initiative aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, improve data accessibility, and reinforce the fight against vehicle-related crimes, ultimately contributing to the safety and security of our nation.”
He further went on to say that, “The revitalization and digitalization of the CMR are vital steps in adapting to the digital age. Traditional manual processes were limiting the CMR’s efficiency and growth potential, hindering our ability to combat motor vehicle-associated crimes effectively. Outdated methods inadvertently favored criminals, providing them with opportunities for illicit activities.”
“The digitalization of the CMR represents a proactive approach to address these challenges, enhancing our commitment to citizen safety and security.”
“The NPF have made substantial investments in a robust technology infrastructure, enabling real-time connectivity among all CMR units across Nigeria. Two CMR Command Centres, strategically situated in Abuja and Lagos, play pivotal roles in streamlining CMR operations.”
“Additionally, we have established a network of thirty-seven CMR Information Centres and Enforcement Units equipped with real-time vehicle status retrieval systems. These enhancements empower us to monitor and manage motor vehicle-related information efficiently. To support these technological advancements, we have deployed a tailormade application for CMR operations, ensuring our personnel are equipped with user-friendly tools. All CMR operations are led by well trained and highly skilled police officers dedicated to upholding professionalism and integrity.”
He Clarified that, Motor Vehicle registration and licensing are within the purview of the Force as its role is to acquire essential vehicle data while also noting that the token fee collected is not a tax but a necessary cost to provide and sustain the required infrastructure aimed at strengthening the revenue of Motor Vehicle Licensing Authorities.
Adejobi however, emphasized the significant strides that the police have made in the implementation of the Central Motor Registry (CMR) while highlighting their expectations for further enhancing national security through this transformative initiative.
He said, “Since the inception of the CMR on December 7th, 2022, we have received a total of 8,569 requests from 7,513 applicants, encompassing 8,497 motor vehicles and 72 motorcycles/tricycles. Out of these, 8,466 have been successfully approved, while 103 requests are currently in the processing phase.”
“These statistics underscore our dedication to streamlining and modernizing our processes, ultimately benefiting the public and bolstering law enforcement capabilities in Nigeria. Over the past five weeks alone, the CMR platform has witnessed the registration of 1,244 vehicles, with 234 of them flagged as reported stolen on the platform. Thanks to the swift response of CMR desk officers in collaboration with field operatives, we have successfully recovered 46 stolen vehicles during this period, contributing to the overall recovery of 89 stolen vehicles in the last five weeks. Our efforts to recover more stolen vehicles remain ongoing, with the goal of achieving full recovery,” He explained.
He concluded that, “We are committed to supporting the sustainability of the required infrastructure for data integration, recognizing the financial support needed to maintain the system’s robustness. Our combined efforts will undoubtedly strengthen our national security framework, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”
“To apply for CMR services, we encourage citizens to visit our user friendly public portal at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng. For support or inquiries, our dedicated team is available via email at cmrsupport@npf.gov.ng, or you can contact our CMR Command Centre in Abuja at 08117777666 and 09169892000, or the CMR Command Centre in Lagos at 08117777555 and 09169891000. We are committed to providing efficient and accessible services to the public through our digitalized Central Motor Registry, and these contact channels are here to ensure your needs are met seamlessly.”