BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
…Showcases Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Smart Technology In Modernisation Drive
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has presented its digital transformation achievements to the international community, highlighting its adoption of advanced technology, artificial intelligence and data-driven operations to strengthen Customs administration and facilitate international trade.
The Service made the presentation at the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Smart Customs Project Global Event, held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from October 29 to 30.
Representing Nigeria at the international gathering, Assistant Comptroller Omolara Adedeji shared the country’s experience and progress in transitioning towards a modern, technology-driven Customs administration.
The event attracted Customs authorities, technology specialists and international stakeholders from different countries to examine how emerging and disruptive technologies could improve border management, enhance operational efficiency and promote legitimate global trade.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by the WCO Deputy Secretary General, Mr Ricardo Treviño Chapa, alongside keynote addresses by Ms Xueyan Guo, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, and Mr Eduard Hakobyan, Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee.
One of the major highlights was the unveiling of the updated WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, which examined developments in technological innovation, its major findings and implications for Customs administrations across the world.
Nigeria featured among the Customs administrations that presented practical experiences and case studies incorporated into the updated report, alongside representatives of China’s General Administration of Customs and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
In her presentation, titled “Nigeria Customs Service: The Journey Towards Smart Customs,” Adedeji explained how the Service was moving away from conventional manual procedures towards integrated digital operations through its ongoing modernisation programme.
She identified the development and deployment of B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), as a major milestone in the transformation process, noting that the platform supports automation, electronic transactions, data-driven decisions and improved collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private-sector stakeholders.
According to her, the modernisation initiative reflects the Service’s determination to establish a more efficient, responsive and technologically advanced Customs administration capable of meeting contemporary global trade demands.
She identified smart technology and smart data as the two central pillars of Nigeria’s Smart Customs vision.
While smart technology involves automation, integrated systems, digital platforms and modern information and communications technology infrastructure, smart data focuses on intelligence-led operations, data-based risk assessment, analytics and improved information sharing.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of human capital development in sustaining the modernisation drive, stressing that Customs personnel must acquire the necessary technical knowledge and professional skills to operate emerging technologies effectively.
Adedeji further outlined the application of geospatial technology in areas such as fleet and asset management, as well as the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), demonstrating the Service’s efforts to extend digital innovation beyond cargo declarations to operational monitoring, resource management and cargo visibility.
She explained that the NCS was gradually advancing from basic automation towards intelligent Customs operations, with emerging priority areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, predictive analytics, non-intrusive inspection, integrated border management, system interoperability and real-time operational intelligence.
She noted that the adoption of these technologies, supported by continuous investment in personnel, would strengthen the Service’s ability to anticipate operational risks, improve decision-making and facilitate seamless international trade.
The global programme also featured presentations on the deliverables of the WCO Smart Customs Project under its Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Blockchain packages.
These included technical reports, readiness self-assessment tools and practical case studies designed to guide Customs administrations in adopting emerging technologies.
Another session examined AI governance and institutional readiness for technology deployment, with representatives from Cambodia, Mexico, Türkiye and Vietnam sharing perspectives on regulatory frameworks, institutional preparedness and the responsible application of artificial intelligence in Customs operations.
Nigeria’s participation at the event provided an opportunity to present its ongoing modernisation efforts, exchange experiences with international counterparts and contribute to broader discussions on the future of technology-driven Customs administration.
