Central Motor Information System Certificate: NBA issues 7-day ultimatum to stop directive

The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Section on Public Interest has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.

The Association in a letter addressed to the IGP, and co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS certificates.

It stated that no law had granted the police the authority to issue such licences or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.

The Association, therefore, demanded an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS certificates, urging the Inspector General of Police to issue a directive stopping the practice nationwide.

It stressed the need for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres and refunds made to those who had already paid.

The NBA stated that any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is illegal, null and void, and therefore of no consequence.

The Association said that the police’s duty to protect citizens and enforce the law does not extend to collecting money or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.

The Association condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ ignorance, resulting in extortion during road searches.

“Failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with this lawful demand within seven days of receipt of this letter will compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against your esteemed office and the Nigeria Police Force,” the Association warned.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry by July 29, 2024.

The directive, according to the Inspector General of Police, is to modernise and digitise the motor vehicle registration system, bolstering the nation’s safety and security framework.