Nigeria Custom Service bets on tech to drive efficiency, global competitiveness

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pivoting toward a technology-driven future, as it focuses on deployment of modern digital platforms and automated procedures to dismantle long-standing bottlenecks at the nation’s borders.

Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General (CGC) NCS, who spoke at a Journalist wworkshop on the trade modernization project of the Service in Abuja on Thursday, noted that with the rapidly evolving global trade environment, it has become imperative for customs administrations to continuously adapt to emerging realities driven by technology, data, and increasing demand for efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Read also: Navy hands over 125 bags of smuggled rice to Customs in Lagos

Representing the CGC, Timi Bomodi, deputy Comptroller General, explained that the Trade Modernization Project (TMP) stands at the center of this transformation as it represents a comprehensive and technology-driven initiative designed to overhaul its processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a more seamless and predictable trading environment.

He said, “The Service is committed to aligning with global standards while delivering on its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security. In the last couple of years, there have been tremendous progress in the processes and procedures adopted by customs in trying to align with global best practices.And this has led to so many innovations, either in our systems or in our operational environment.”

Adeniyi also emphasized that with the deployment of modern digital platforms, automation of procedures, and integration of systems, the NCS is laying the foundation for a customs administration that is not only efficient, but also globally competitive.

“However, while infrastructure and technology are critical, they are not sufficient on their own. The success of any reform of this magnitude depends significantly on stakeholder understanding, acceptance, and participation.

“And that is why it is incredibly important that our stakeholders, which includes the media, understand what the intentions of government are and what we try to achieve by introducing these innovations.

“The Trade Modernization Project stands at the center of this transformation. It represents a comprehensive and technology-driven initiative designed to overhaul our processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a more seamless and predictable trading environment,” he added.

Among the innovations of the NCS is the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, Customs Verification Management System, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Integrated Non-intrusive Inspection System.

In his remarks, Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer, NCS, said that the importance of understanding and strengthening awareness of the Service’ trade modernization projects cannot be overemphasized, as the service continues to evolve in response to dynamics of global trade, technological advancement, and national economic priorities.

Maiwada explained that the TMP marks a crucial step in the Service commitment to using technology to streamline operations, boost productivity, support trade, and optimize revenue collection.

Read also: Customs, NDLEA to review narcotics post-seizure procedures 

“The TMP represent a significant milestone in our effort to deploy technology-driven solutions that will simplify processes, improve efficiency, facilitate trade, and enhance revenue connection. However, beyond the systems and infrastructure, the success of this initiative depends on largely on effective communication, accurate information dissemination, and sustained public engagement.

“This is where your role as members of the media becomes indispensable. You are not only conveyors of information, but also shapers of public understanding and perception.

“This workshop, therefore, provide a strategic platform to equip you with the requisite knowledge, insight, and context needed to report accurately, responsively, and constructively on the modernization agenda of the service,” he said.