CUSTOM BOSS TASKS OFFICERS ON TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION.

By Ifeanyi Edwin nwabugu

In his bid to drive the technology policy in Nigeria Customs service (NCS), the Controller General of Nigeria Customs service (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, organised a retreat aimed at equipping officers and men of the Nigeria customs service with the requisite knowledge of technology to enhance service delivery.
The retreat with the theme ‘Turn Off Work ‘Turn On Retreat focused on enhancing officers capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, software development and other technology driven solutions central to the service modernization agenda..Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Ibeto Hotels Abuja, the Controller General expressed satisfaction with the turn out and the calibre of participants, describing it as the largest of the gathering of highly talented, motivated and skilled ICT officers in the history of the service ” .The CGC reflected on how rapidly evolving digital technologies, ranging from machine learning to non intensive inspections and automated risk management have transformed Custom operations globally. He urged officers to move beyond traditional roles and fully embrace their position as problem solvers.” we are at a point where ICT is no longer just a support function, rather it is the engine room of our modernization effort, as we shift from legacy systems to home grown digital platforms, i expect this unit to continue developing innovation to the complex challenges we face ” he said.
Acknowledging uncertainty ahead, particularly following the expiration of key IT service agreement , Adeniyi expressed confidence in the department delivery capacity.