Nigeria Customs and the Future Shaped by Technology
By Abdulsalam Mahmud,
It is already a statement of fact that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) deploys technology for most of its operations. From trade facilitation to border surveillance, the agency continues to embrace innovation to enhance efficiency, security and economic growth.
Last year, the NCS launched B’Odogwu, an indigenous digital trade facilitation and cargo processing system designed to optimize cargo clearance, compliance and revenue collection. B’Odogwu, which serves as a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), integrates artificial intelligence, blockchain and data analytics to improve trade efficiency.
With features that support real-time tracking, automated risk assessment and electronic documentation, the platform significantly reduces delays and curbs fraudulent activities within Nigeria’s import and export ecosystem.
By minimizing human interference and ensuring accurate valuation of imports, B’Odogwu has become instrumental in plugging revenue leakages and streamlining port operations. One of its biggest advantages is its role in enhancing transparency and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
Previously, importers and clearing agents faced lengthy processing times, often leading to congestion at the ports. However, with B’Odogwu’s automation capabilities, customs procedures have become faster and more predictable, leading to improved trade facilitation.
Additionally, the system strengthens national security by providing better monitoring of goods entering and leaving the country, thereby reducing smuggling and other illicit trade practices. The transformative impact of technology in customs operations is evident in many countries that have embraced digital solutions to optimize trade facilitation and security enforcement.
Singapore, for instance, operates one of the most advanced customs systems globally through its TradeNet platform. This single-window system streamlines customs clearance by integrating various regulatory agencies into one digital framework, enabling businesses to complete import and export documentation seamlessly.
By significantly reducing processing time, TradeNet has enhanced Singapore’s reputation as a global logistics hub, ensuring efficiency and transparency in its trade operations. Similarly, the United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has leveraged non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology, including X-ray and gamma-ray scanners, to improve cargo screening at ports of entry.
This technology allows customs officers to detect contraband, weapons and undeclared goods without the need for manual inspections, thus expediting clearance while strengthening security. The deployment of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has also revolutionized trade processing by automating import and export transactions, reducing paperwork.and enhancing compliance monitoring.
These digital innovations have not only bolstered revenue collection, but have also played a critical role in securing the US supply chain against threats. Across Africa, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in leveraging digital tools to enhance customs efficiency.
The Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW) integrates various trade-related services, allowing for the swift processing of permits, customs declarations and payments online. The system has slashed clearance times at borders, reduced corruption by minimizing human intervention and increased government revenue collection.
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These global examples reinforce the fact that a technology-driven customs service is essential for fostering economic growth, strengthening border security and aligning national trade policies with international best practices. Beyond facilitating trade, the Nigeria Customs is also deploying advanced technology to bolster national security.
This was reaffirmed by its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday. At the meeting, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s commitment to integrating geospatial technology to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement across Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.
“Technology remains the key to effective border management in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to deploying geospatial technology and other innovative tools to enhance our surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement capabilities.
“These efforts are designed to align with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique border security challenges,” he said. Adeniyi further explained that these technology-driven initiatives would not only strengthen the nation’s ability to curb illicit trade, but also facilitate seamless, legitimate cross-border transactions.
This aligns with the NCS’ broader strategy of modernizing its operations through digital transformation, ensuring trade efficiency and enhanced security through cutting-edge innovations. In response, NSA Ribadu commended the Nigeria Customs for its proactive approach, noting that technology is indispensable in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The Customs Service has demonstrated a commendable commitment to modernisation and efficiency in securing our borders. Integrating advanced technology into border management is a step in the right direction and aligns perfectly with our broader national security objectives,” Ribadu said.
While the meeting reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security threats and ensuring national stability, the NSA assured Adeniyi of continued support for the Nigeria Customs’ modernization agenda.
He also emphasized the need for synergy in intelligence sharing and operational coordination. From trade facilitation to border security, the NCS is proving that technology is at the heart of modern customs administration.
Whether through B’Odogwu’s automation of trade processes or geospatial technology’s enhancement of surveillance operations, the Bashir Adeniyi-led NCS remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigeria’s economy and national security through innovative, technology-driven solutions.
The integration of advanced digital tools has not only improved efficiency within the Customs Service but has also reinforced the agency’s commitment to global best practices. This shift is particularly significant in a country where delays and inefficiencies have historically hampered economic growth.
Moreover, the use of technology in border security provides the NCS with better intelligence-gathering capabilities, enabling officers to track illicit trade activities in real time. This proactive approach will lead to a decline in smuggling incidents and a stronger regulatory framework that protects Nigeria’s economic interests.
As threats to national security evolve, Nigeria Customs’ investment in surveillance technology will ensure that the country’s borders remain well-monitored and secure. In an era where technology dictates the strength of nations, only a digitally-fortified Customs Service can safeguard Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
*Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: [email protected].*
