Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new digital vehicle verification platform designed to stop smuggling, eliminate fake customs documents, and improve transparency in the country’s auto import sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The platform, known as the Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), allows Nigerians to verify the customs status of any imported vehicle by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). According to the NCS, the verification process takes only minutes and replaces the old manual system that was slow and vulnerable to fraud.

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the CVMS marks a major step in the agency’s modernization drive. He explained that the digital platform would close loopholes exploited by smugglers and boost government revenue.

“For years, verification of imported vehicles relied on fragmented and outdated methods that left room for misinformation, fraud, and revenue leakages,” Adeniyi said at the launch event in Abuja. “Today, we have introduced a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly platform that redefines how vehicle verification is conducted in Nigeria.”

The new system, developed in partnership with the Trade Modernisation Project, integrates vehicle records dating back to 2017. It allows customs officers, dealers, and car buyers to confirm whether a vehicle was properly cleared through official channels. Users will pay a verification fee of ₦15,000 per vehicle and can make payments with local or international debit or credit cards.

Officials say the CVMS will help tackle the growing problem of smuggled vehicles and fake clearance papers that have cost the federal government billions in lost revenue. It will also make it harder for stolen or illegally imported vehicles to enter the market.

Adeniyi said the move aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to digitalize public services and improve trade facilitation. “This initiative brings openness to an area that was previously shrouded in uncertainty and manipulation,” he said. “It empowers citizens, strengthens enforcement, and supports our goal of a fully automated customs system.”

The Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) welcomed the platform, calling it a positive development for the industry. Chairman Ajibola Adedoyin said the system would protect honest dealers from harassment and build public trust in the used-car market. “This platform is long overdue. It will help legitimate dealers prove the authenticity of their vehicles and encourage buyers to make informed decisions,” he said.

The launch of the CVMS is part of a larger plan to modernize customs operations by using data analytics and digital tools to detect irregularities in import records. The NCS said the system’s built-in reporting features will enable officers to track and flag suspicious vehicle transactions in real time.

Vehicle smuggling has long been one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian customs. Many imported cars enter the country through unapproved routes or are undervalued to avoid duties. The digital verification system is expected to help close these gaps by linking all vehicle import records into one secure database.

The NCS said the CVMS is now live and accessible to the public nationwide. Training programs are underway for customs officers and licensed dealers to ensure smooth adoption. Over the next few months, the service plans to integrate the platform with other trade and border management systems.

Adeniyi added that the ultimate goal is to achieve full automation of Nigeria’s customs operations by 2030. “We are building a system that not only secures our borders but also supports economic growth through transparency and technology,” he said.

The Customs Service encouraged all vehicle importers, dealers, and buyers to use the CVMS before purchasing or clearing imported vehicles. Officials believe that if widely used, the new platform could significantly reduce smuggling, increase revenue, and promote confidence in Nigeria’s automobile market.