Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to embrace technology as the driving force behind the Service’s modernisation efforts. He made the call while declaring open a three-day ICT retreat themed *“Turn off Work; Turn on Retreat”*, organised by the NCS ICT/Modernisation Department in Abuja.
The retreat, which held at IBETO Hotels, brought together a record number of ICT professionals within the Service to enhance their capacity in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Software Development, and other digital solutions crucial to the Customs’ reform agenda.
Describing the retreat as “the largest gathering of highly talented, motivated, and skilled ICT officers in the history of the Service,” CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of the ICT unit in delivering the Service’s strategic objectives.
“We’re at a point where ICT is no longer just a support function; it is the engine room of our modernisation efforts,” Adeniyi said. “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.”
The CGC noted the successes recorded in the past year, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, digital Customs declarations, and automation of container transfers to inland terminals, all driven by the ICT department. He also lauded the growing recognition of Nigerian Customs officers at the World Customs Organization (WCO), particularly for their leadership in data harmonisation, geospatial intelligence, and digital trade compliance.
Addressing the uncertain transition period following the expiration of major IT service agreements, CGC Adeniyi expressed confidence in the department’s capacity to deliver. He issued a key directive to the Service: reduce physical examinations at the ports by at least 50% before the end of Q3 2025 by leveraging digital tools, intelligence, 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 stressed.
In her remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs and head of the ICT/Modernisation Department, Kikelomo Adeola, reiterated the department’s readiness to meet the CGC’s expectations. She described the retreat as a unifying platform for the department to renew its commitment to innovation and digital excellence.
“The task ahead may seem daunting, but when great minds unite with a shared purpose, no challenge is insurmountable,” Adeola said. “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.”
The retreat is part of the CGC’s broader strategy to build a smarter, more responsive, and technology-driven Customs Service capable of facilitating trade, curbing smuggling, and enhancing national revenue generation.