The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards modernising its operations with the official launch of the Customs Verification Management System (CVMS) — a digital platform that enables Nigerians to verify the clearance and duty payment status of imported vehicles within minutes.
Unveiling the system at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, described the initiative as a bold stride in the Service’s ongoing reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in customs operations.
According to Dr Adeniyi, the new verification platform was developed in partnership with the Trade Modernisation Project and indigenous technology firm Afripoint Consult to tackle long-standing challenges related to vehicle clearance and documentation.
“Today marks an important milestone in our modernisation drive. We are building on our progress through collaboration with the private sector, consolidating past achievements, and delivering innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency,” Adeniyi stated.
“This platform redefines vehicle verification across our customs ecosystem. For years, verification relied on fragmented and outdated methods that allowed room for misinformation, fraud, and significant revenue loss, while causing frustration for importers and dealers. Recognising the urgency for change, we have developed a simple, seamless, and secure home-grown solution.”
Having undergone two months of trial operation, the CVMS is now fully functional and accessible from anywhere in the world.
Users can verify vehicles by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and paying a ₦15,000 verification fee using any debit or credit card issued locally or internationally.
Adeniyi explained that the system empowers citizens, importers, and dealers with verifiable data, while assisting customs officers in eliminating manual processes, standardising operations across commands, and strengthening enforcement.
“This platform democratises access to verified information, enabling the public to make informed purchase decisions. For our officers, it ensures consistency and provides real-time validated data that enhances decision-making,” he said.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s wider digital transformation agenda, underscoring the Service’s commitment to technology-driven solutions that boost revenue generation and safeguard national security.