The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, unveiled the initiative on Monday at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, describing it as a major step in the Service’s ongoing reforms to boost transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Developed in partnership with the Trade Modernisation Project and indigenous firm Afripoint Consult, the CVMS aims to eliminate fraud, standardise vehicle verification, and plug revenue leakages within the customs ecosystem.
“Today marks an important milestone in our drive to modernise customs operations. With this platform, we’re redefining how vehicle verification is done — creating a simple, secure and seamless process that eliminates misinformation and fraud,” Adeniyi said.
The CVMS, which has been in trial for two months, is now fully operational and accessible globally. Users can verify vehicles by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and paying a ₦15,000 verification fee using any debit or credit card.
Adeniyi noted that the system empowers both the public and customs officers, offering verifiable data to facilitate informed decisions, while improving enforcement and operational consistency.
“This platform enhances public confidence and strengthens institutional integrity by promoting transparency and trust,” he added.
Afripoint Consult’s Managing Director, Ajibola Adetula, described the CVMS as a “homegrown, dual-purpose innovation” serving both the public and enforcement officers.
The Chairman of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, Ajibola Adedoyin, hailed the initiative as a long-overdue solution that will protect legitimate vehicle importers and reduce harassment by enforcement agents.
The Customs Service has been pursuing digital reforms under the Trade Modernisation Project, a 20-year initiative to enhance trade facilitation, boost revenue, and combat smuggling through automation.
With the CVMS, Nigeria takes another bold step toward achieving a fully digital border management system by 2030.
