The Nigeria Customs Service’s technology-driven B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System generated more than ₦230 billion in revenue within eight months and reduced cargo clearance time for compliant traders to less than eight hours after deployment, according to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi disclosed this during the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the University of Ilorin in collaboration with RUDN University, where experts examined the growing impact of disruptive technologies on governance, trade and economic development.
Speaking on the theme, “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” the Customs boss warned that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence without ethical leadership and accountability could weaken governance systems and erode public trust.
“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. Adeniyi described the B’Odogwu platform as proof that technology can significantly improve efficiency in the public sector when properly managed.
He revealed that the system generated over ₦230 billion at the PTML Command alone within eight months of deployment, while drastically cutting cargo processing time for compliant traders. He stressed that although artificial intelligence, smart technologies and automated systems are reshaping global commerce and accelerating digital economies, human expertise and leadership remain critical to achieving sustainable results.
“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that “technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results.” The Customs CG also urged African governments to develop digital governance frameworks tailored to local realities rather than depending entirely on imported models that may not align with the continent’s legal, economic and social environment.
He further challenged universities and research institutions to move beyond theoretical research and work closely with public institutions to develop practical solutions in areas such as digital compliance, AI-driven risk management and cross-border data governance.