The modernisation of the Nigeria Police Force has taken another significant step forward with the introduction of the electronic Central Vehicle Registry Information System, known as e-CMR. This major technological advancement has been hailed by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as a significant milestone in enhancing the effectiveness of policing operations and improving road safety in the country.
With the e-CMR, police officers will no longer be required to stop vehicles to verify their documents, marking the end of unnecessary roadside stops. Now equipped with cutting-edge technology, officers will be able to verify the validity of vehicle documents in real-time, ensuring more effective enforcement of traffic regulations.
One of the most impressive features of this new system is the transition to fully digital vehicle document management. Vehicle owners and users will no longer need to physically carry paperwork, as all information regarding vehicle documents will be available digitally. This shift to a more technological and paperless approach provides quick, easy and secure access to vehicle data, simplifying the lives of citizens and drivers.
Furthermore, the implementation of e-CMR brings significant benefits in terms of vehicle theft prevention. Vehicles registered in this system can be reported as stolen in real time via a dedicated online profile. This process then triggers an instant alert to all officers on the ground nationwide, increasing the chances of quick recovery of stolen vehicles and contributing to the reduction of vehicle-related crime.
The initiative to digitise and modernise the police vehicle register was launched in July 2024 by the Commissioner General of Police. This decision marks a step forward in the objective of modernising and digitalising the vehicle registration system, thereby strengthening the national security and safety framework. With this technological advancement, the Nigerian police are strengthening their capacity to address road safety issues and improving the fluidity of road checks, thereby providing better protection to citizens and contributing to a safer and more efficient road environment.