Customs deploys AI scanners, 5,000 officers to tackle Illicit trade

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered scanners and forensic tools at key border points to combat illicit trade and smuggling activities, Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced on Wednesday. Speaking at the 4th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa Region in Abuja, Adeniyi […]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered scanners and forensic tools at key border points to combat illicit trade and smuggling activities, Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 4th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa Region in Abuja, Adeniyi said, “Over 5,000 officers have been trained in recent months to strengthen enforcement capacity and modernise customs operations nationwide.”

Themed “Partners Mobilisation Around Priority Projects in the WCO-WCA Region: A Genuine Pledge to Meet the Modernisation Goals and Performance Targets of Member Customs Administrations,” the conference brought stakeholders together to align support and investments towards customs modernisation and regional integration.

The CG said the new technology-driven approach is part of a wider modernisation strategy aimed at aligning the agency with global best practices, improving trade facilitation, and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

• Waste managers demand enabling environment to tackle Lagos’ refuse
• Presidency, stakeholders seek comprehensive response to needs of women, girls in IDP camps

“We have started pilot implementation of several key initiatives, including AI-powered scanners and forensic tools to detect illicit trade. Over 5,000 officers have also undergone intensive training in technical areas tailored for regional use,” he said.

He added that the Nigeria Customs will serve as a regional hub for capacity building, leveraging its WCO-recognised training centre in Abuja to host programmes for officers across West and Central Africa.