By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), a digital platform designed to make vehicle importation more transparent and reduce smuggling across the country.

The system, unveiled in Abuja by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, allows individuals, car dealers, and importers to verify the authenticity and duty-payment status of imported vehicles in real time.

According to the NCS, users can input a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the official portal to confirm whether customs duties have been duly paid. The move aims to eliminate the long-standing issues of document forgery, under-declaration, and other fraudulent practices associated with vehicle importation.

Speaking during the launch, CG Adeniyi emphasized that the digital verification system represents a major step toward automation, accountability, and service efficiency in the customs process. He noted that the initiative would also help boost government revenue by blocking revenue leakages from unverified or smuggled vehicles.

“With this system, the era of guesswork and manual verification is over. Importers, dealers, and the public can now easily confirm the duty status of any imported vehicle online,” Adeniyi stated.

The CVMS comes with a verification fee of ₦15,000, which covers the cost of digital processing and platform maintenance. The NCS assured stakeholders that the system has no hidden charges and operates under a secure, user-friendly interface.

Industry observers believe this innovation will strengthen Nigeria’s anti-smuggling drive, simplify vehicle ownership verification, and promote trust between the Customs Service and the public.