The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed his commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation-driven governance, called for a human-centred approach to the deployment of artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies.
Adeniyi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, 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 to deliberate on the impact of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, trade, education, and economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Customs boss stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with ethics, leadership, and institutional responsibility.
“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,” Adeniyi stated.
He noted that disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems had already reshaped global operations, adding that governments must ensure innovation strengthens transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Drawing from the experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi highlighted ongoing reforms within the Service, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.
According to him, the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of operation, while cargo clearance timelines 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,” he said.
He maintained that while artificial intelligence could improve efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remained indispensable in governance and enforcement operations.
“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” Adeniyi added.
The Customs CG further called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions, and public agencies to address emerging digital and governance challenges through practical research and innovation.
He urged universities to move beyond theoretical learning and become active contributors to policy development and technological solutions, identifying digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk targeting, public trust communication strategies, and governance of cross-border data flows as critical areas for collaboration.
Adeniyi also advocated the development of locally relevant digital governance frameworks across Africa, stressing that technological advancement must reflect African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs boss engaged with scholars, traditional rulers, communication professionals, and heads of government agencies on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, capacity development, and community advancement.
