By Femi Anamelechi
As part of his commitment to implementing the technological advancement policy of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has declared open a three-day retreat organised by the ICT/Modernisation Department of the NCS.The retreat, themed “Turn off Work; Turn on Retreat”, focuses on enhancing officers’ capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Software Development, and other tech-driven solutions central to the Service’s modernisation agenda. Speaking at the opening ceremony held at IBETO Hotels, Abuja, on Friday, 16 April 2025, CGC Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the turnout and calibre of participants, describing it as “the largest gathering of highly talented, motivated, and skilled ICT officers in the history of the Service.”
He stated, “It’s a pleasure to be here. Every time I engage with this department, I’m reminded of a meeting many years ago where I urged officers to see themselves as drivers of change in the Nigeria Customs Service. That vision is now more important than ever.” The CGC reflected on how rapidly evolving digital technologies, ranging from machine learning to non-intrusive inspection and automated risk management, have transformed customs operations globally. He urged officers to move beyond traditional roles and fully embrace their positions as problem-solvers. “We’re at a point where ICT is no longer just a support function; it is the engine room of our modernisation efforts. As we shift from legacy systems to homegrown digital platforms, I expect this unit to continue developing innovative solutions to the complex challenges we face,” he added. Acknowledging uncertainties ahead, particularly following the expiration of key IT service agreements, Adeniyi expressed confidence in the department’s delivery capacity stating “This Department has helped demystify some of our toughest challenges in the past year. From the success of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme to piloting digital Customs declarations and automating container transfers to inland terminals, ICT has been pivotal.”
He also highlighted the growing recognition of Nigeria Customs officers within the international customs community, especially at the World Customs Organization (WCO), citing their leadership in data harmonization, geospatial intelligence, and digital trade compliance. “This talent must count for something. We must begin to view ICT not merely as a department but as the driving force behind a responsive, modern, and professional Customs Service. Let technology lead,” the CGC declared. He further challenged the Service to reduce physical examinations at ports by at least 50% before the end of Q3 2025, using digital profiling, tools including AI, cloud-based systems, and non-intrusive inspection technologies.“We must ensure that at least 50% of containers exiting our ports are selected based on intelligence. We must now apply existing tools deliberately and systematically,” he emphasised. Following the ceremony, Kikelomo Adeola, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation who also convened the retreat, spoke with journalists, echoing the CGC’s optimism.
“The task ahead may seem daunting, but when great minds unite with a shared purpose, no challenge is insurmountable. We believe in the CGC’s vision and are fully committed to delivering on it. We will prevail with divine guidance and collective resolve,” she said. She reaffirmed the department’s readiness and determination to break new ground, strengthen systems, and uphold the CGC’s core values of innovation, integrity, and institutional strength. “More work is the reward for excellence, and we are ready. Together, we will raise the banner of the Nigeria Customs Service and elevate our digital transformation journey to new heights,” she concluded.
