CGC Adeniyi Advocates Ethical AI, Human-Centred Governance, Higlights Customs Digital Reforms at UNILORIN Conference
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the need for responsible and human-centred digital transformation, stressing that technology must remain guided by ethics, leadership and institutional accountability.
Adeniyi stated this while delivering the 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’s main auditorium and attracted communication scholars, researchers, policymakers, technology experts, heads of government agencies and academics from within and outside Nigeria.
In his address, the Customs boss said the future of the digital economy would depend not only on advances in artificial intelligence but also on the ability of institutions to balance innovation with human responsibility.
“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 him, disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital payment systems and smart technologies have already reshaped global systems, noting that nations and institutions are no longer preparing for disruption but operating within it.
Adeniyi maintained that government institutions must ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, public trust and operational efficiency rather than weakening accountability mechanisms.
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Drawing examples from ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, he highlighted the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, describing it as a major milestone in Customs modernisation and trade facilitation.
He disclosed that the platform generated more than 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 stated, adding that technology produces optimal results only when supported by strong ethical standards and clear institutional direction.
He further stressed that while artificial intelligence could improve efficiency, decision-making and risk management, human expertise and leadership remained indispensable in governance and enforcement operations.
“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
The Customs Comptroller-General also called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions and public agencies in addressing emerging digital governance challenges.
He urged universities to move beyond theoretical learning and become active contributors to innovation, policy development and practical problem-solving.
Adeniyi identified areas where academia could support Customs modernisation efforts to include digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk targeting, governance of cross-border data flows and public trust communication strategies.
He further urged African countries to develop digital governance frameworks tailored to local realities, legal systems and developmental priorities, insisting that technological advancement must remain accountable to the citizens it serves.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs boss held engagements with scholars, traditional rulers, heads of agencies and communication professionals on opportunities for collaboration in digital research, innovation, capacity development and community advancement.
By PRNigeria
