The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has urged government institutions and key stakeholders to embrace disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen governance, improve trade administration and enhance revenue generation across Nigeria.

Adeniyi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences of 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,” drew scholars, technocrats, academics and policy makers from different countries to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Speaking at the institution’s main auditorium, the Customs boss said technological innovations and artificial intelligence were already transforming governance systems and trade operations globally, adding that Nigeria must not be left behind in the digital revolution.

According to him, “Technology has significantly transformed the way Customs administrations understand trade patterns, process data, and make informed operational decisions.”

He noted that the deployment of digital tools in Customs operations had improved efficiency, transparency and accountability in the Service, stressing that the agency would continue to align with global standards in revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security.

Adeniyi further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, auditors, legislators, financial organisations and policy makers to build a sustainable and efficient economic system.

“The importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders cannot be overemphasised if we are to build a more efficient and sustainable economic system,” he stated.

The Customs CG, who arrived in Ilorin on Tuesday, was received at the Ilorin International Airport by senior officers of the Kwara Area Command alongside officials of other security and revenue-generating agencies in the state.

During the visit, Adeniyi proceeded to the Command headquarters where he received operational briefings on enforcement activities, trade facilitation efforts and revenue performance.

He commended officers and personnel of the Command for their professionalism and commitment to the Service’s core mandates, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation.

The Comptroller-General also inspected the Government Warehouse where seized and forfeited items are kept and expressed satisfaction with the management of the facility.

He, however, stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and proper documentation in warehouse administration.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara Area Command, Suleiman Sani Mohammed, the visit was described as a morale booster for officers and a reaffirmation of the Service’s commitment to integrity, excellence and efficient public service delivery.