Nigeria Customs Unveils Digital Transformation Strategy at Global Smart Customs Summit

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has presented its digital transformation initiatives, including the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, artificial intelligence and data-driven operations, at the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Smart Customs Project Global Event in Brussels, Belgium.

The Service said the initiatives were part of efforts to modernise Customs administration, improve border security, strengthen operational efficiency and facilitate legitimate international trade.

The two-day event, held from October 29 to 30 at the WCO Headquarters, brought together Customs administrations, technology experts and international stakeholders to examine how emerging technologies could transform global Customs operations.

Representing Nigeria, Assistant Comptroller Omolara Adedeji presented a paper titled Nigeria Customs Service: The Journey Towards Smart Customs, highlighting the Service’s transition from manual procedures to integrated digital operations under its modernisation programme.

She identified the development and deployment of B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), as a major milestone in the transformation, noting that the platform supports automation, electronic processing, data-driven decisions and improved collaboration with government agencies and private-sector operators.

Adedeji said the Service’s Smart Customs vision was anchored on two major pillars: smart technology and smart data.

She explained that smart technology involved automation, integrated systems, digital platforms and modern information and communication technology infrastructure, while smart data focused on intelligence-led interventions, risk management, analytics and improved information sharing.

The Customs official also highlighted the deployment of geospatial technology in fleet and asset management, as well as the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), to improve operational monitoring, resource management and cargo visibility.

She said the Service was moving beyond basic automation towards intelligent Customs operations, with priorities including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, predictive analytics, non-intrusive inspection, integrated border management and real-time operational intelligence.

According to her, the objective is to develop a system capable of anticipating risks, supporting timely operational decisions and facilitating seamless trade.

Adedeji further stressed the importance of investing in personnel through continuous training and skills development to equip officers with the technical expertise required to sustain the digital transformation.

A major highlight of the global event was the presentation and launch of the updated WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, which examined emerging technological developments and their implications for Customs administrations.

Nigeria was among the Customs administrations that presented case studies contributing to the updated report, alongside representatives of the General Administration of Customs of China and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

The opening ceremony featured remarks by WCO Deputy Secretary General, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, while the Director General of the International Cooperation Department of China’s General Administration of Customs, Xueyan Guo, and Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee, Eduard Hakobyan, delivered keynote addresses.

The programme also examined deliverables under the WCO Smart Customs Project’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Blockchain packages, including technical reports, readiness assessment tools and practical case studies.

Another session focused on AI governance and deployment readiness in Customs, with representatives from Cambodia, Mexico, Türkiye and Vietnam discussing institutional preparedness, regulatory frameworks and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

The participation of the Nigeria Customs Service provided an opportunity to share its modernisation experience and engage with international counterparts on the application of technology to improve Customs administration and cross-border trade.