The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has given vehicle owners in Nigeria until July 29 to register for the digitized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR). In a statement released on Saturday, the NPF said the e-CMR will be mandatory for vehicle owners starting on that date. They also urged motorists to register within the next 14 days.

The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data designed to support police investigations and operational activities and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

It’s not yet clear if the cost of registration is the same for all vehicles or varies by type. We tried registering a sedan/saloon car, and the platform generated an invoice of N5,375 (VAT included).

The move to a digital system will also make it easier to document and verify vehicle ownership and related transactions.

What the Police Said

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF said:

“As part of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D.’s plan to make our country safer, the Nigeria Police Force is set to start using the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) within the next 14 days, specifically on July 29, 2024. This will give the motor vehicle registration system a boost by going digital, which will make our nation safer and more secure.

“The IGP has directed that services like changing ownership, license numbers, engines, and chassis/bodies will be much more straightforward. The e-CMR system will validate the vehicles’ authenticity and ownership, making tracking and recovering stolen vehicles easier and preventing innocent buyers from purchasing stolen vehicles.”

The Nigeria Police Force is asking Nigerians and residents to understand and support this new initiative. They say they’re committed to using technology and strategic approaches to improve public safety and national security.

The e-CMR will also help make it safer and more secure for people to own vehicles. It will also help stop vehicle theft by making it much harder to sell stolen vehicles in Nigeria.

To register your vehicle, you must use an internet-enabled device, like a computer or smartphone.

To register, you must create a profile on the portal (https://cmris.npf.gov.ng). To do that, you’ll need a National Identification Number (NIN), email address, phone number, and house address.

When you register a vehicle, you must provide the license number, chassis number, and engine number.

You’ll also need your ATM card to make payments on the platform.