The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),vBashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has reiterated the commitment of the Service to leveraging disruptive technologies, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security in the country.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi stated this while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organized by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” brought together a high-profile audience of global scholars, policymakers, technocrats, and international academics to deliberate on the evolving impact of technology on global systems and institutions.
Upon his arrival at the Ilorin International Airport, the Customs boss was warmly received by senior officers of the Kwara Area Command, alongside heads and representatives of sister security and revenue-generating agencies within the state.
The CGC’s grand reception underscored the strong spirit of inter-agency cooperation, collaboration, and high regard accorded to the current leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Prior to the academic event, the Comptroller-General visited the Headquarters of the Kwara Area Command. He was received by the Command’s management team and fully briefed on regional operational activities, anti-smuggling enforcement efforts, and recent revenue performance.
Addressing the personnel, Adeniyi commended the officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism. He charged them to remain steadfast in upholding the core mandates of the Service.
As part of his working visit, the CGC also conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the Government Warehouse (GWH) in Ilorin. Expressing satisfaction with the management of seized and forfeited items, he emphasized the critical need for sustained accountability, absolute transparency, and proper documentation to protect the integrity of the Service.
Speaking at the main auditorium of the University of Ilorin, the Comptroller-General captivated the academic community by detailing how emerging technologies are reshaping modern governance and border administration.
He noted that technology has significantly transformed the way Customs administrations analyze complex trade patterns, process vast amounts of data, and make informed operational decisions, thereby eliminating bottlenecks, enhancing efficiency, and institutional accountability.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to aligning with global best practices while effectively discharging its responsibilities. We must continuously adapt to emerging technological realities to secure our borders and maximize revenue in this digital economy,” Adeniyi affirmed.
The Customs Chief further underscored that technology alone cannot solve structural economic challenges without institutional synergy. He called for deep, strategic collaboration among government institutions, financial bodies, auditors, policy makers, and legislative stakeholders to collectively strengthen national economic frameworks and revenue ecosystems.
In a closing statement issued on Monday,the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara Area Command, SM Suleiman described the Comptroller-General’s working visit as a massive source of motivation that reaffirms the Command’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and dedicated public service.
