Market News
Customs introduces electronic vehicle verification to check smuggling - DAILY TRUST
By Eugene Agha, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a digital vehicle management system (CVMS) aimed at curbing smuggling and enhancing transparency in the importation of vehicles.
The new system, which is part of the NCS’s efforts to modernize its operations and improve revenue collection, enables users to verify the authenticity and customs clearance status of imported vehicles.
The digital vehicle verification system provides a secure and reliable means of verifying vehicle imports, reducing the risk of smuggling and fraud. The system also enhances transparency and accountability in the customs clearance process.
Towards this end the NCS encouraged stakeholders, including vehicle importers, dealers, and the general public, to utilize the new system to verify the customs clearance status of imported vehicles.
Speaking at the launch, the Comptroller General of Customs CGC, Adewale Adeniyi described the initiative as a milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation agenda, noting that it closes long-standing loopholes in the vehicle clearance process.
“For years, verification of imported vehicles relied on fragmented and outdated methods that left room for misinformation, fraud, and revenue leakages. The launch of this system is another score on the board for our bold transformation agenda.” CGC Adeniyi said.
He explained that the CVMS was developed in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and local technical experts to provide a secure and transparent verification process accessible to all Nigerians.
According to him, the digital platform will significantly reduce the circulation of smuggled and improperly cleared vehicles while boosting government revenue.
He said, “This new solution empowers the public and strengthens the integrity of our Service by promoting transparency, accountability, and trust.”
CGC Adeniyi added, “Anyone who invests millions of naira in a vehicle would not hesitate to pay N15,000 to verify its authenticity and ensure their investment is protected.”
