Acting CG drives innovative projects for enhanced Customs efficiency

In a bid to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Acting Comptroller-General (CG) Adewale Adeniyi has spearheaded innovative projects that promise to revolutionize customs practices.

This was disclosed in a statement National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service Abdullahi Maiwada.

According to the statement, the projects are with a strong emphasis on collaboration, engagement with international organizations, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.

The statement said the acting acting CG who was attending the Policy Commission and Council meetings of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium when his appointment by President Bola Tinubu was announced, leveraged on the  global platform to engage in topical discussions within the global Customs community, advocating for the exploration of AI-driven solutions, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions like ChatGPT and advanced geo-spatial intelligence approaches such as GEOINT.

“These technologies present immense potential for enhancing communication, decision-making processes, and enforcement operations within Customs,”the statement said.

It added, “Additionally, the NCS has already established a GEOINT unit, leveraging geospatial data, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to gain valuable insights for customs operations. Collaborative engagements are already underway to operationalise the use of GEOINT to enhance the efficiency of NCS enforcement operations and contribute to overall efficiency. These advancements underline the NCS’s proactive approach toward embracing cutting-edge technologies.”

Maiwada also said that the acting CG further engaged in strategic discussions with partners such as the WCO, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration.

“The discussions aim to garner support for the establishment of a customs Laboratory, a significant milestone in enhancing customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria,” he added.

“Amidst the current landscape of evolving global trade dynamics, the NCS Laboratory will provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports, thereby bolstering revenue generation and ensuring the protection of public health and safety.

“With its advanced analytical capabilities, the laboratory is expected to deliver precise identification, verification, and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making, while fostering an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, marking a transformative step towards achieving seamless customs operations, trade competitiveness, and national economic growth in line with the vision of the President Tinubu Led Administration.

“Furthermore, Acting CG Adeniyi’s engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, leadership, and management development. These discussions underscore his commitment to comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various customs domains, ultimately enhancing customs operations.”