The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to technology-driven border management and stronger international cooperation as the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition opened on Wednesday, January 28, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The three-day conference, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is organised by the WCO under the theme “Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation.” It brings together Customs administrations, policymakers, technology providers and industry leaders from across the world to explore how innovation can enhance border security while facilitating legitimate trade.
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Nigeria’s participation highlights the Service’s ongoing trade modernisation agenda and its alignment with global best practices in Customs administration, particularly in digitalisation, data exchange and intelligence-led enforcement.
Speaking during a panel session, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the WCO Council, stressed the importance of structured international collaboration in tackling emerging cross-border challenges.
He noted that partnerships with organisations such as INTERPOL, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Universal Postal Union have strengthened cooperation in tracking criminal networks, protecting intellectual property and managing evolving trade risks.
Adeniyi said enhanced data exchange and strong governance frameworks remain critical in addressing global challenges, including the diversion of goods along transit corridors.
According to him, Customs-to-Customs cooperation, supported by WCO instruments and mutual administrative assistance frameworks, is essential to ensuring goods reach their intended destinations.
The Comptroller-General also commended innovative solutions showcased at the conference, citing a digital humanitarian corridor developed by the United Arab Emirates as a practical tool capable of improving the movement of relief consignments within a fully digitalised Customs environment.
He further explained that organisational agility in Customs administration goes beyond deploying technology, requiring the ability to adapt to change, respond to emerging risks and continuously refine operational approaches.
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While acknowledging the progress recorded by UAE Customs, Adeniyi emphasised the need for sustained investment in human capital, particularly as many Customs administrations face generational transitions.
According to him, building the capacity and skills of the next generation of officers is vital to maximising the benefits of technology and ensuring long-term institutional effectiveness.
Also representing Nigeria at the conference, the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) team participated in technical sessions focused on leveraging innovation to strengthen Customs operations.
The General Manager of TMP, Ahmed Ogunsola, spoke during a panel on cloud computing and data analytics, highlighting their role in improving risk management, compliance and border security.
Similarly, TMP’s software development lead, Nabil Mustapha, delivered a technical presentation on the evolution of national trade systems, with emphasis on secure architectures, seamless user experience and measurable outcomes.
At the exhibition, TMP showcased Nigeria’s Customs modernisation efforts, including the indigenous B’odogwu application and other digital solutions designed to integrate stakeholders across the trade ecosystem and enhance operational efficiency.
The conference opening featured remarks by senior UAE officials and the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, who highlighted the central role of Customs administrations in global economic and social prosperity, stressing that innovation remains essential for managing evolving border threats and securing supply chains.
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The event features panel discussions, case studies, live demonstrations and exhibitions on risk management, scanning technologies, cybersecurity, e-commerce, cloud computing and sustainable Customs operations.
NCS and TMP’s active participation, including involvement in the conference hackathon, reflects Nigeria’s continued resolve to modernise Customs operations, strengthen international partnerships and contribute innovative solutions to global trade facilitation efforts.