By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has been directed to reduce physical examinations of cargoes at seaports by at least 50 percent before the end of the third quarter, Q3 of 2025.

Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, gave the mandate as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and port efficiency through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, while declaring open a three-day retreat organised by the ICT/Modernisation Department of the NCS.

The retreat, themed “Turn off Work; Turn on Retreat”, focuses on enhancing officers’ capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Software Development, and other tech-driven solutions central to the Service’s modernisation agenda.

Report made available by NCS National Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi challenged the Service to implement digital profiling systems, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based platforms, and non-intrusive inspection technologies to replace manual processes and boost clearance speed.

He noted that such tools were already available but underutilized, stating|: “We must reduce physical examinations at ports by at least 50 percent before the end of Q3 2025, using digital profiling, tools including AI, cloud-based systems, and non-intrusive inspection technologies.

“We must ensure that at least 50 percent of containers exiting our ports are selected based on intelligence. We must now apply existing tools deliberately and systematically”.

He said that the move is expected to reduce delays, curb corruption, and position Nigerian ports for global competitiveness in line with the National Single Window initiative.

He stated: “Every time I engage with this department, I am reminded of a meeting many years ago where I urged officers to see themselves as drivers of change in the Nigeria Customs Service. That vision is now more important than ever.

“We’re at a point where ICT is no longer just a support function; it is the engine room of our modernisation efforts. As we shift from legacy systems to homegrown digital platforms, I expect this unit to continue developing innovative solutions to the complex challenges we face.

“This Department has helped demystify some of our toughest challenges in the past year. From the success of the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO programme to piloting digital Customs declarations and automating container transfers to inland terminals, ICT has been pivotal,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing recognition of Nigeria Customs officers within the international customs community, especially at the World Customs Organization, WCO, citing their leadership in data harmonisation, geospatial intelligence, and digital trade compliance.

“This talent must count for something. We must begin to view ICT not merely as a department but as the driving force behind a responsive, modern, and professional Customs Service. Let technology lead”.

Also, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, reaffirmed the department’s readiness and determination to break new ground, strengthen systems, and uphold the CGC’s core values of innovation, integrity, and institutional strength.

Adeola stated: “The task ahead may seem daunting, but when great minds unite with a shared purpose, no challenge is insurmountable. We believe in the CGC’s vision and are fully committed to delivering on it. We will prevail with divine guidance and collective resolve.

“More work is the reward for excellence, and we are ready. Together we will raise the banner of the NCS and elevate our digital transformation journey to new heights,” she said.