CGC Adeniyi Advocates Human-Centred Digital Transformation at UNILORIN Conference

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

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

Adeniyi made the call while delivering a 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, Russia.

The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” attracted scholars, technology experts, policymakers, and heads of government agencies to discuss the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital innovation on governance, trade, and economic development.

Speaking at the conference held at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium on Wednesday, the Customs boss said the future of the digital economy would depend not only on the power of artificial intelligence but also on the quality of human leadership guiding its deployment.

“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 stated.

He noted that disruptive technologies, including digital payments, e-commerce, artificialintelligence, and smart systems, had already transformed global institutions and economies, stressing that governments must ensure innovation strengthens transparency, efficiency, and public confidence.

Highlighting reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi pointed to the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System as a major step in Customs modernisation, trade facilitation, and inter-agency cooperation.

He disclosed that the platform generated more than N230 billion at the PTML Command within eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance time for compliant traders had dropped to less than eight hours.

“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said.Adeniyi further stressed that although artificial intelligence could improve efficiency, risk management, and operational decision-making, human expertise and leadership would remain indispensable in governance and enforcement.

“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.

The CGC also urged universities, research institutions, and government agencies to deepen collaboration in developing practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges.

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

Adeniyi also challenged African countries to develop digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities and development priorities,insisting that technological advancement must remain accountable to citizens.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs CG held discussions with scholars, traditional rulers, heads of agencies, and communication professionals on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, research, and capacity development.