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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new digital verification platform aimed at curbing vehicle smuggling, enhancing transparency, and improving accountability in automobile importation.

The platform, known as the Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), was officially unveiled at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Speaking at the launch, Adeniyi described the initiative as a landmark achievement in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive, noting that it closes long-standing loopholes in vehicle clearance.

‘For years, verification of imported vehicles relied on fragmented and outdated methods that encouraged misinformation, fraud, and revenue leakages. The launch of this system marks another milestone in our bold transformation agenda,’ Adeniyi said.

Developed in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and local technical experts, the CVMS provides a secure and transparent verification process accessible to all Nigerians.

According to the Customs chief, the system will help reduce the circulation of smuggled or improperly cleared vehicles, strengthen public confidence, and boost government revenue.

‘Anyone who invests millions of naira in a vehicle would not hesitate to pay ?15,000 to verify its authenticity and protect their investment,’ he added.

Adeniyi explained that payments can be made using any valid card issued by financial institutions in Nigeria or abroad, with verification results generated instantly. The platform also creates a centralised database through which vehicle details can be traced and confirmed within minutes, improving operational efficiency and inter-agency coordination.

He emphasised that the CVMS forms part of the Service’s broader digital reform strategy aimed at simplifying clearance procedures, promoting data-driven operations, and ensuring transparency in revenue collection.

‘In essence, this system brings openness to an area previously shrouded in uncertainty and manipulation. Across all our operations, we are deploying innovative, technology-driven solutions to simplify processes and boost transparency,’ he stated.

The National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Ajibola Adedoyin, lauded the initiative, describing it as a welcome development. He also assured that his association would adopt the system after carrying out its independent assessment.

Nigerian actor and humanitarian, Williams Uchemba, has stirred controversy after calling for the public execution of convicted kidnappers as a means to curb the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Uchemba argued that Nigeria must enforce its constitution more strictly and impose harsher penalties to deter criminals.

Drawing from parental discipline as an analogy, he stated that failure to enforce consequences only empowers wrongdoers.

‘When a child begins to steal meat from the mother’s pot and nothing is done, that child will grow into a hardened criminal,’ Uchemba said.

The actor stressed that kidnapping already carries a death penalty under Nigerian law, but criticized the justice system for operating behind closed doors, leaving citizens in the dark about whether convicted criminals are actually punished.

He further suggested the introduction of a dedicated television channel to broadcast executions, comparing the concept to popular reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija.

‘Until we begin to execute consequences publicly, we will not see change,’ he stated.

Uchemba also referenced China’s legal system, where death sentences are enforced for serious crimes such as corruption and kidnapping.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, has launched a new feature on its Mobile App that allows customers to open investment accounts and invest directly in mutual funds managed by FCMB Asset Management, the Group’s wealth creation arm.

This development marks another significant step in FCMB Group’s ongoing digital transformation, a strategy focused on integrating all its business verticals into a single, full-service financial ecosystem that empowers customers to bank, invest, and grow wealth seamlessly.

With the new in-app investment feature, customers can now access FCMB Asset Management’s range of mutual funds, including the low-risk Legacy Money Market Fund, the growth-oriented Legacy Equity Fund, the predominantly local-currency bond-holding Legacy Debt Fund, and the Legacy USD Bond Fund for dollar-denominated investments.

These options cater to different risk appetites and financial goals, from short-term liquidity to long-term capital appreciation or steady income generation.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, said: ‘What we are building goes beyond digital convenience. It is about creating a connected ecosystem where banking, payments, and investments work together to serve customers’ broader financial needs. By integrating mutual funds into the FCMB Mobile App, we extend that ecosystem, enabling customers to move seamlessly from saving to investing within one trusted platform.’

Commenting, James Ilori, Chief Executive Officer, FCMB Asset Management Limited, said: ‘Our mission is to democratise access to investment opportunities and make wealth creation simple and inclusive. By bringing mutual funds to the FCMB Mobile App, we enable anyone, anywhere, to start investing confidently and build sustainable financial futures.’

The integration of mutual fund services into the FCMB Mobile App aligns with FCMB Group’s broader goal of creating a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem that connects banking, investment, and asset management under one trusted platform to drive long-term value for individuals and communities.

Customers can download or update the FCMB Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today to begin investing.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says screening of all aspirants contesting for various national offices in its 2025 Elective National Convention will hold on Tuesday Oct. 28.

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who is the Chairman, National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), stated this in a statement in Abuja.

The Screening, according to Fintiri will hold at NCOC Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja at 2pm, while the screening of the appeal committee has been slated for Thursday, Oct. 30.

‘To this effect, Monday, Oct. 27 has been approved as the last date for the submission of already completed expression of interest and nomination forms by all aspirants to the NCOC Secretariat,” he said.

Fintiri added that all aspirants, critical stakeholders and party members should note the dates and be guided accordingly.

The national convention is slated for Nov.15 and Nov.16 in Ibadan.

Nigerian entertainer and social media personality, Peller, has claimed he earned a staggering 11 million coins, equivalent to about ?70 million, immediately after participating in the popular online worship event, Hallelujah Challenge.

Peller made this revelation in a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

‘Hallelujah challenge dey work, I made 11 million coins (70 million naira) after I joined hallelujah challenge yesterday.’

The Hallelujah Challenge, a midnight praise and worship session led by gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey, is known for attracting large audiences globally, with many participants often sharing testimonies of miraculous financial breakthroughs, healings, and divine interventions.

‘Hallelujah challenge dey work,I made 11 million coins (70 million naira ) after I Joined hallelujah challenge yesterday’ – Peller pic.twitter.com/v8ItK74Ymf

Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that his administration has constituted a task force for the protection of petroleum pipelines in the State.

Okpebholo made the disclosure on Friday, during the courtesy visit to his office by the newly-elected leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), led by its chairman, Michael Ogiamen.

The Governor who was responding to concern raised by the association over pipeline vandalism along the Benin Depot-Warri Refinery corridor, assured that the task force will also strengthen security in the State.

He further hinted that his administration would empower the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Pipeline Surveillance to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.

He said: ‘For the vandalization of pipelines, we have already set up a task force on pipeline monitoring. We will take charge on our own part. But the Warri part, that is Delta State, I will also talk to the Governor to see how we can jointly monitor the pipelines so that there will be no vandalization going forward.’

Earlier, in his remarks, the new chairman of IPMAN, Micheal Ogiamen, assured the Governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association.

He said: ‘I can honestly tell you, sir, that at the expiration of my tenure of three years, I will hand over to my vice here, Mr. Pius. That has been our practice, and it will not change according to our constitution.’