The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed his commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation-driven governance, stressing that technological advancement must remain centred on human responsibility, ethics, and institutional competence.
Adeniyi made the remarks while delivering a 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 brought together academics, communication scholars, technology experts, researchers, heads of government agencies, and policymakers to examine the growing influence of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development.
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi stated that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on leadership, ethics, 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.
According to the Customs boss, disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems have already transformed global systems, noting that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but already operating within it.
He stressed that government institutions must ensure innovation strengthens public trust, transparency, and operational efficiency instead of weakening accountability mechanisms.
Drawing from the experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi highlighted ongoing digital transformation initiatives within the agency, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System. He said the platform has significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.
He disclosed that the system generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, 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,” Adeniyi said, adding that technology remains most effective when guided by clear institutional purpose and ethical standards.
He further noted that while artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain indispensable in governance and enforcement operations.
“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges. He urged universities to move beyond theoretical learning and become active drivers of innovation and policy development.
Adeniyi identified key research areas where academia can support Customs modernisation efforts, including digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk targeting, public trust communication strategies, and governance of cross-border data flows.
He also urged African countries to develop locally relevant digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, stressing that technological advancement must remain accountable to the citizens it serves.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs boss engaged with heads of government agencies, scholars, communication professionals, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital research, innovation, community development, and capacity building.
