Customs Set for Remarkable Transformation

…As Adeniyi Hits The Ground Running, For Enhanced Customs Efficiency

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is about to witness remarkable transformations as the newly appointed Acting Comptroller-General (CG), Adewale Adeniyi  MFR akes charge, spearheading innovative projects aimed at unlocking the full potential of the service.

Ag CGC Adeniyi in white and cap, speaking during the WCO engagements in Brussels

Above is coming with the full complement of a strong focus on collaboration, engagement with international organizations, the pursuit of cutting-edge technologies, and consolidating on previous gains, the NCS is poised to redefine customs practices for the better.

According to a statement released by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the Acting CG is engaged in topical discussions with the global Customs community, advocating the exploration of innovations such as AI-driven solutions, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions like ChatGPT and advanced geo-spatial intelligence approaches such as GEOINT, to enhance customs operations.

Adeniyi with WCO Chairman

Adeniyi was quoted as saying the above technologies present immense potential for enhancing communication, decision-making processes, and enforcement operations within Customs.

According to the statement, Adeniyi whose appointment was announced while attending the Policy Commission and Council meetings of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium with the immediate past leadership, leveraged on the global platform, to call for technical support for the NCS in achieving the above.

He said, “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.”

Aliyu added 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. 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”, adding:

“Under the leadership of the Acting CG, the Nigeria Customs Service is embarking on an exciting journey towards enhanced customs efficiency. Through international collaborations, engagement with the WCO, exploration of AI-driven solutions, and strategic discussions, the NCS is pioneering innovative projects that will shape the future of customs practices in Nigeria. With a strong emphasis on technology and international partnerships, the NCS is well-positioned to make substantial advancements in customs operations, ultimately benefiting trade facilitation, security, and operational effectiveness.”

Giving tips of other engagements during the council meeting, the statement said, “The outcome of the council meeting witnessed the election of Ian Saunders of the United States as the new Secretary General of the WCO, an important position that sets the direction for customs practices worldwide. This election highlights the significance of the council meeting and the influential role the NCS played in shaping the future of customs operations on a global scale.”