By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has showcased its digital transformation initiatives, with its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), B’Odogwu, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking centre stage at the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Smart Customs Project Global Event in Brussels, Belgium.
The two-day event, held from October 29 to 30 at the WCO Headquarters, provided a platform for the Service to highlight its progress in deploying emerging technologies, strengthening data-driven operations and transitioning towards a fully integrated digital Customs administration.
According to the Service, Assistant Comptroller Omolara Adedeji represented Nigeria at the global gathering, where she presented the country’s experience and achievements in leveraging technology to modernise Customs operations.
The event brought together Customs administrations, technology experts and international stakeholders to examine how disruptive technologies could improve border management, strengthen Customs enforcement and facilitate legitimate international trade.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by the Deputy Secretary General of the WCO, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, while the Director General of the International Cooperation Department, General Administration of Customs of China, Xueyan Guo, and Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia, Eduard Hakobyan, delivered keynote addresses.
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the updated WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, which examined emerging technological innovations, their applications and implications for Customs administrations across the world.
Nigeria featured among the administrations that presented case studies contributing to the updated report, alongside the General Administration of Customs of China and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
In her presentation titled “Nigeria Customs Service: The Journey Towards Smart Customs,” Adedeji explained that the Service’s modernisation drive was shifting operations from traditional manual procedures towards integrated digital systems, with B’Odogwu serving as a major component of the transformation.
She said the platform was supporting increased automation, electronic processing, data-driven decision-making and stronger collaboration between the NCS, government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and private-sector stakeholders.
According to her, “The NCS is undergoing a deliberate transition from traditional Customs operations towards integrated digital operations. Through the Service’s Modernisation Project, we are strengthening automation, electronic processing and data-driven decision-making to build a more efficient, responsive and technology-driven Customs administration.”
She identified smart technology and smart data as the two central pillars of Nigeria’s Smart Customs vision, explaining that smart technology encompasses automation, integrated systems, digital platforms and modern ICT infrastructure, while smart data focuses on intelligence-led interventions, analytics, risk management and improved information sharing.
The presentation also highlighted the Service’s growing application of geospatial technology in fleet management, asset management and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), which is designed to strengthen operational monitoring, improve resource management and enhance cargo visibility.
On emerging technologies, Adedeji identified Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, predictive analytics, non-intrusive inspection, integrated border management, interoperability and real-time operational intelligence as priority areas in the Service’s transition towards intelligent Customs operations.
She stressed that the success of the digital transformation agenda would also depend on developing a technically competent workforce capable of sustaining innovation and effectively deploying emerging technologies.
“By prioritising these technologies and investing in the people who will drive their application, we are working towards a system that anticipates risks, supports real-time operational intelligence and facilitates seamless trade,” she said.
Other sessions at the global event examined the Smart Customs Project’s deliverables under its Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Blockchain packages, featuring technical reports, readiness self-assessment tools and practical case studies.
Participants also discussed AI governance and deployment readiness in Customs, with experts and representatives from Cambodia, Mexico, Türkiye and Vietnam examining institutional preparedness, governance frameworks and responsible approaches to adopting emerging technologies.
The participation of the Nigeria Customs Service highlighted its ongoing efforts to align its modernisation programme with global Customs technology trends, leveraging digital platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics and personnel development to improve operational efficiency, border management and international trade facilitation.
