By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for a human-centred approach to digital transformation, warning that technological advancement without ethics, leadership, and accountability could undermine governance and public trust.

Adeniyi made the remarks 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,” was held on Wednesday at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium and attracted academics, policymakers, technology experts, communication scholars, and heads of government agencies from across the country and beyond.

Addressing participants, the Customs boss said the world had already entered an era dominated by disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital payments, e-commerce, and smart systems, stressing that institutions must now focus on ensuring innovation serves humanity responsibly.

“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,” Adeniyi declared.

He maintained that government agencies must deploy technology in ways that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and public confidence rather than weaken accountability mechanisms.

Drawing examples from the ongoing modernisation efforts within the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi highlighted the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, describing it as a major milestone in trade facilitation and cargo administration.
According to him, the platform generated more than N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of operation, while reducing cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders to less than eight hours.
He stressed that artificial intelligence should complement, not replace, human expertise in governance and enforcement operations.

“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said.

The Customs chief further noted that while digital tools can improve risk management and operational efficiency, leadership and institutional competence remain indispensable.
“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.

Adeniyi also challenged universities and research institutions to move beyond theoretical learning by developing practical solutions that can support governance reforms and digital innovation across Africa.

He identified areas where academia could support Customs modernisation efforts to include AI-driven risk targeting, digital compliance systems, public trust communication strategies, and the governance of cross-border data flows.

The CGC urged African nations to design digital governance frameworks that reflect local realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, insisting that technological progress must remain accountable to citizens.

On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held discussions with scholars, traditional rulers, communication professionals, and heads of government agencies on collaboration opportunities in digital innovation, research, capacity development, and community advancement.