By Ayomide Otitoju
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed his commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation-driven governance during the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences of the University of Ilorin in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University.
The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium and attracted academics, communication scholars, technology experts, policymakers, researchers, and heads of government agencies.
Delivering the keynote address, Adeniyi stressed the need for institutions to balance technological advancement with ethics, leadership, and institutional accountability.
“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” he said.
He noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital payments, and smart systems had already transformed governance and economic systems globally, adding that institutions must ensure innovation strengthens transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency.
Drawing from the experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi highlighted ongoing digital reforms, including the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.
According to him, the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance time for compliant traders had been reduced to less than eight hours.
“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” Adeniyi stated, adding that technology remains most effective when guided by strong institutional values and ethical standards.
He further emphasised that while artificial intelligence could improve efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human leadership and expertise remain central to effective governance and enforcement.
The Customs boss also called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions, and public agencies to address emerging digital and governance challenges.
He urged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and contribute more actively to innovation, policy development, and practical digital solutions.
Adeniyi identified areas where academia could support Customs modernisation efforts, including AI-driven risk management, digital compliance systems, governance of cross-border data flows, and public trust communication strategies.
He also advocated for African countries to develop digital governance frameworks tailored to local realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs CG interacted with scholars, traditional leaders, institutional heads, communication professionals, and government officials on opportunities for collaboration in digital research, innovation, and capacity development.
