Adeniyi Advocates Human-Centred Digital Transformation at UNILORIN International Conference
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed his commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation-driven governance, calling for a balance between artificial intelligence and human responsibility in the evolving digital economy.
Adeniyi made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences of University of Ilorin in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology of RUDN University.
The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium and attracted academics, communication scholars, technology experts, researchers, heads of government agencies, policymakers, and institutional leaders from within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi stressed that while artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies continue to reshape governance, trade, education, and global commerce, human values and ethical leadership must remain central to their application.
“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,” he stated.
He observed that the world had already entered an era dominated by digital disruption, noting that innovations such as e-commerce, digital payments, smart technologies, and artificial intelligence had fundamentally transformed global systems and economic activities.
According to him, public institutions have a critical responsibility to ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, operational efficiency, and public trust instead of undermining accountability mechanisms.
Drawing from the experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Customs boss highlighted ongoing reforms and digital modernisation efforts within the Service, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.
He explained that the platform had significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency cooperation across Customs operations.
Adeniyi disclosed that the system generated more than N230 billion in revenue at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while reducing cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders to less than eight hours.
“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said.
He further maintained that technology delivers optimal results only when supported by clear institutional objectives, competent leadership, and strong ethical standards.
While acknowledging the role of artificial intelligence in improving efficiency, risk management, and decision-making processes, Adeniyi insisted that human expertise and leadership remain indispensable in governance and enforcement operations.
“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
The Comptroller-General also called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions, and government agencies to address emerging digital governance challenges and develop practical technology-driven solutions.
He urged higher institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and become active contributors to innovation, policy development, and institutional reforms capable of addressing contemporary socio-economic realities.
According to him, academia can support Customs modernisation through research in areas such as digital compliance systems, artificial intelligence-driven risk targeting, governance of cross-border data flows, and public trust communication strategies.
Adeniyi also advocated the development of locally relevant digital governance frameworks across Africa, arguing that the continent must design systems that reflect African legal systems, realities, and developmental priorities.
He stressed that technological advancement must remain accountable to the citizens it is intended to serve.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Customs boss held discussions with scholars, traditional rulers, communication professionals, heads of sister agencies, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital research, innovation, community development, and capacity building initiatives.
