Tinubu, Ooni, Sanwo-Olu Supports Customs Initiative On Improved Data Analytic

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed the introduction of improved data analytic in conducting customs trade, describing the absence of comprehensive data and inconsistent policies as major drawbacks militating against Nigeria’s economic growth.

President Tinubu who made the endorsement at the ongoing Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) 2023 Conference held at Intercontinental Hotel Lagos yesterday charged the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) not to relent in driving the process.

This is even as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu  also applauded the initiative as forward looking, purposeful and desirable.

Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu in his remark just before declaring the conference open said the time has come to correct the challenge of inadequate data management in order to promote informed decision making and to plug its consequent sub-optimal outcomes.

COWA members present at the conference

The conference with the theme “Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations” was attended by dignitaries from across segments of the society, sectors and industry players, the academia, the diplomatic corps, military and security forces, and the leadership of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA).

Shettima said, “Every part of the world is at the mercy of data and every day we are reminded of the expanding volume of data upon which our divisions must be rooted. Data is the life guiding the ever-evolving landscape of our modern world. It is this realisation that sounds the invaluable goal of this century that prompted Tinubu’s strategic placement of tech savvy in Nigerians critical positions in the government.

Adeniyi, Shettima and Sanwo-Olu during the national anthem

“These appointments ensures not only strategic planning but also the cultivation of Nigeria as a hub of refined minds in the global knowledge economy. We must not only commit to deploying data to make decisions within the government, but to address the historical inadequacies of Nigerian policy making often impeded by lack of comprehensive data.”

The Vice President explained that deploying data to interpret the volumes of transactions and interactions is essential in international trade because the dividends transcend the determination of revenues only.

“Data provides the sharpest links for us to connect the dots. Even in establishing the security of our borders, we can easily determine the traffic of people and goods around a specific border and share indisputable information with other nations with just a punch on our computers,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Sanwo-Olu said leveraging technology in data analysis by the NCS will assist the country achieve the projected N1trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target of President Tinubu between now and 2030.

The Lagos State Governor reason that the NCS will be better placed to compete favourably with its counterpart services anywhere in the world with enhanced technology.

In his goodwill message, the Ooni of Ife noted that without data it is impossible to plan even he urged the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR to consider giving back to Lagos, certain percentage of its earnings which about 70 percent, he says comes from Lagos.

The CGC in his welcome address said the choice of the conference theme was a strategic alignment with the demands of contemporary times.

“This theme places a spotlight on the indispensable role of technology in trade facilitation, ensuring that our discussions transcend mere theory, rooting themselves firmly in actionable insights.

“So, we therefore, welcome you to a conversation where innovation meets implementation, and worlds evolve into driving force of positive change,” he said.

He stressed that the service is committed to using meticulous data management to improve security and trade.