NBA Urges Police to Review CMRIS Certification Charges Amid Multiple Taxations in Nigeria
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has advised the authorities of the Nigerian police to review the introduction of Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS) certification charges on Nigerians. The association believes that the new levy will add to the already numerous taxations, levies, and tariffs that citizens and businesses are subjected to, exacerbating the country’s economic hardship.
In a press statement, the NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, urged the police to reconsider the plan, citing the multiple taxations and economic challenges facing the country. The association is concerned that the new levy will further burden Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The police had announced plans to enforce the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) across the country to combat insecurity. However, the NBA believes that it is not the duty of the police to issue such vehicle documents, and that the e-CMR will only provide a database for the police to access real-time information on vehicles.
The NBA has also disowned a statement issued by its members, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, on behalf of the NBA-Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL). The association claims that the two individuals lack the authority to issue statements on behalf of the NBA-SPIDEL, as they were removed from their positions in February 2024.
The NBA has convened a one-day conference on July 18, 2024, to discuss the impact of multiple taxations, tariffs, and charges on the public and economy. The association’s President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, has reached out to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to express concerns about the new levy and will engage the Inspector-General of Police and the Presidency if necessary.
The police have since suspended the enforcement of the certification, which was scheduled to commence on July 29. The NBA has urged the public to disregard the statement issued by John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, as they lack the authority to do so.
