By Abdulsalam Mahmud,

It is already a statement of fact that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) deploys technology for most of its operations. From trade facilitation to border surveillance, the agency continues to embrace innovation to enhance efficiency, security and economic growth.

Last year, the NCS launched B’Odogwu, an indigenous digital trade facilitation and cargo processing system designed to optimize cargo clearance, compliance and revenue collection. B’Odogwu, which serves as a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), integrates artificial intelligence, blockchain and data analytics to improve trade efficiency.

With features that support real-time tracking, automated risk assessment and electronic documentation, the platform significantly reduces delays and curbs fraudulent activities within Nigeria’s import and export ecosystem.

By minimizing human interference and ensuring accurate valuation of imports, B’Odogwu has become instrumental in plugging revenue leakages and streamlining port operations. One of its biggest advantages is its role in enhancing transparency and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in cargo clearance.

Previously, importers and clearing agents faced lengthy processing times, often leading to congestion at the ports. However, with B’Odogwu’s automation capabilities, customs procedures have become faster and more predictable, leading to improved trade facilitation.

Additionally, the system strengthens national security by providing better monitoring of goods entering and leaving the country, thereby reducing smuggling and other illicit trade practices. The transformative impact of technology in customs operations is evident in many countries that have embraced digital solutions to optimize trade facilitation and security enforcement.

Singapore, for instance, operates one of the most advanced customs systems globally through its TradeNet platform. This single-window system streamlines customs clearance by integrating various regulatory agencies into one digital framework, enabling businesses to complete import and export documentation seamlessly.

By significantly reducing processing time, TradeNet has enhanced Singapore’s reputation as a global logistics hub, ensuring efficiency and transparency in its trade operations. Similarly, the United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has leveraged non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology, including X-ray and gamma-ray scanners, to improve cargo screening at ports of entry.

This technology allows customs officers to detect contraband, weapons and undeclared goods without the need for manual inspections, thus expediting clearance while strengthening security. The deployment of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has also revolutionized trade processing by automating import and export transactions, reducing paperwork.and enhancing compliance monitoring.

These digital innovations have not only bolstered revenue collection, but have also played a critical role in securing the US supply chain against threats. Across Africa, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in leveraging digital tools to enhance customs efficiency.

The Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW) integrates various trade-related services, allowing for the swift processing of permits, customs declarations and payments online. The system has slashed clearance times at borders, reduced corruption by minimizing human intervention and increased government revenue collection.

These global examples reinforce the fact that a technology-driven customs service is essential for fostering economic growth, strengthening border security and aligning national trade policies with international best practices. Beyond facilitating trade, the Nigeria Customs is also deploying advanced technology to bolster national security.

This was reaffirmed by its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday. At the meeting, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s commitment to integrating geospatial technology to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement across Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.

“Technology remains the key to effective border management in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to deploying geospatial technology and other innovative tools to enhance our surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement capabilities.

“These efforts are designed to align with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique border security challenges,” he said. Adeniyi further explained that these technology-driven initiatives would not only strengthen the nation’s ability to curb illicit trade, but also facilitate seamless, legitimate cross-border transactions.

This aligns with the NCS’ broader strategy of modernizing its operations through digital transformation, ensuring trade efficiency and enhanced security through cutting-edge innovations. In response, NSA Ribadu commended the Nigeria Customs for its proactive approach, noting that technology is indispensable in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The Customs Service has demonstrated a commendable commitment to modernisation and efficiency in securing our borders. Integrating advanced technology into border management is a step in the right direction and aligns perfectly with our broader national security objectives,” Ribadu said.

While the meeting reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security threats and ensuring national stability, the NSA assured Adeniyi of continued support for the Nigeria Customs’ modernization agenda.

He also emphasized the need for synergy in intelligence sharing and operational coordination. From trade facilitation to border security, the NCS is proving that technology is at the heart of modern customs administration.

Whether through B’Odogwu’s automation of trade processes or geospatial technology’s enhancement of surveillance operations, the Bashir Adeniyi-led NCS remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigeria’s economy and national security through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

The integration of advanced digital tools has not only improved efficiency within the Customs Service but has also reinforced the agency’s commitment to global best practices. This shift is particularly significant in a country where delays and inefficiencies have historically hampered economic growth.

Moreover, the use of technology in border security provides the NCS with better intelligence-gathering capabilities, enabling officers to track illicit trade activities in real time. This proactive approach will lead to a decline in smuggling incidents and a stronger regulatory framework that protects Nigeria’s economic interests.

As threats to national security evolve, Nigeria Customs’ investment in surveillance technology will ensure that the country’s borders remain well-monitored and secure. In an era where technology dictates the strength of nations, only a digitally-fortified Customs Service can safeguard Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: babasalam1989@gmail.com.

The post Nigeria Customs and the Future Shaped by Technology appeared first on Tech Digest News.

On June 13, 2024, an email from Janice Hills of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) announced a Campaign, “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service,” as a Finalist for the 2024 Golden World Award (GWA) in public Relations.

As a finalist, the campaign will now proceed to the second round, where more materials, including documents, relevant web links, images, and videos, will be submitted to enable the jury from various countries to decide on the winning entries.

The campaign, a testament to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was previously honoured with a Certificate of Excellence at the 2024 SABRE African PR, a prestigious recognition at the annual conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The campaign recognised the strategic deployment of public relations (PR) tactics by Adeniyi, in 100 days of acting as Comptroller General, to raise awareness about the New Customs Act and the Reform Agenda within the sector – a testament to his visionary leadership and innovative approach.

Upon assuming the role of acting Comptroller General on June 19, 2023, Adeniyi was presented with a unique opportunity. The immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari had on May 23, 2023, precisely a week before his handover to President Tinubu, assented to the Nigeria Customs Act, amending it for the first time in over 64 years. This presented a key opening for Adeniyi to use the campaign to raise awareness about the transformative import, value, expenditure, and accountability changes promised by the new Act and the stricter penalties and sanctions for Excise duty violations.

The Act specifies that appointment of the Comptroller General of the service would no longer be open to non-career individuals, as it empowers the President to appoint a CGC from career-serving officers, provided they hold a rank not lower than that of an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG).

As a distinguished Fellow and former Vice President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Adeniyi played a pivotal role in fostering stakeholder collaboration. His efforts were instrumental in aligning the NCS’s core responsibilities with President Tinubu’s priorities in trade facilitation, revenue collection, societal protection, and cooperation. This demonstrates the NCS’s unwavering commitment to national goals.

In just three months of his acting capacity, Adeniyi had intensified awareness campaigns through capacity-building programmes, stakeholder engagements, and media interactions. One of the other major challenges he faced on assumption of office was managing the trade embargo between ECOWAS states and Niger Republic due to a coup. Despite the public outcry over border closures affecting businesspeople and border communities, Adeniyi’s crisis communication strategies involved consultations with community leaders, youth groups, and business stakeholders towards providing relief, alternatives and legitimate options.

His leadership and managerial skills through strategic communication enhanced stakeholder collaboration ensured border security, influenced the citizenry’s compliance with customs reforms, significantly boosted revenue generation and instilled a sense of optimism and hope for the future. It also considerably contributed to the productivity of his management team. Impressed by the unparalleled feat and strategy deployed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the confirmation of Adeniyi’s appointment as substantive Comptroller General from October 19, 2024.

Interestingly, Kabir Abdulsalam of PRNigeria and Maryam Na’Allah of Spokespersons Digest, both staff writers at Image Merchants Promotion Limited, studied and documented Adeniyi’s public relations strategies in their forthcoming book titled “Impactful PR in Customs Management.”

With a blurb by Vice President Kashim Shettima and a foreword written by the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, the book highlights well-coordinated PR approaches in leadership and management.

Key aspects covered in the literature include how press coverage and media engagement created required awareness and sensitisation of customs reforms. Similarly, the effect of regular engagement with stakeholders in facilitating interagency collaboration and earning public support is also highlighted. Organised special events through lively interactions and fruitful deliberations have been valuable in promoting the new legislation and other service efforts.

The book emphasises other strategies for engagement and communication during crises and recognises the effectiveness of third-party narratives. It further focuses on primary PR tools in its twelve chapters, such as media relations, event management, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, press release writing, social media, lobbying decision-makers, corporate social responsibility (CSR), reputation management, in-house publications, employee relations, and media monitoring.

In less than a year in office, through his trade facilitation measures, including 24-hour port decongestion/clearance and removal of multiple checkpoints with dedicated import and export terminals, the Customs Service under Adeniyi has achieved an unprecedented revenue collection of 75%, compared to the previous year.

A humble and detribalised Nigerian, Adeniyi has demonstrated inspirational leadership that motivates staff across all levels and backgrounds to strive for excellence and make sacrifices in the nation’s service. His selfless approach has created a culture of unity and dedication, inspiring others to work towards a common goal of serving the national interest.

His anti-smuggling campaign efforts, through strengthening collaborations, have also led to massive seizures of wildlife products, deadly weapons, and hard drugs, among other contrabands that are injurious to the economy and life of the people.

Adeniyi’s groundbreaking communication approach and proactive strategies have significantly influenced public perception and showcased the tangible benefits of effective PR strategies for excellence. His visionary leadership has transformed the Customs Service, restored trust and elevated its reputation. His exemplary model of effective PR at the management level has the potential to inspire future leaders to harness the power of strategic communication, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

The accomplishments of the customs service under Tinubu’s administration are quite obvious, as the book will be unveiled at the forthcoming annual Economic Confidential Summit in Abuja next month.

Yushau A. Shuaib
Author of “Award Winning Crisis Communication Strategies”
www.YASHuaib.com, yashuaib@yashuaib.com

The post CG Bashir Adeniyi: The Impactful PR in Customs Management appeared first on Tech Digest News.