The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to deploying technology and strengthening international cooperation to improve border management as the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The three-day conference, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is themed “Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation.” It brings together global customs administrations, policymakers, technology firms, and industry leaders to examine how innovation can enhance border security while promoting legitimate trade.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi—who also chairs the WCO Council—said effective border management in today’s complex global environment requires structured international collaboration and intelligent use of technology.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi said sustained engagement with international organisations such as INTERPOL and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has strengthened Nigeria’s capacity for intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement.

“Our experience shows that robust collaboration with international partners enhances data exchange, governance frameworks, and collective responses to transnational trade crimes,” Adeniyi said.
He identified cargo diversion as a major global challenge, stressing that it can only be addressed through coordinated Customs-to-Customs cooperation.

“Diversion of goods in transit is a global issue that requires harmonised approaches and real-time information sharing among customs administrations,” he added.
The Customs boss also commended innovative solutions showcased at the conference, including the UAE’s digital humanitarian corridor, which he said could significantly improve the movement of relief materials during emergencies.
“The digital humanitarian corridor developed by the UAE can enhance the efficient movement of humanitarian consignments within a fully digitalised customs environment,” Adeniyi noted.

While emphasising the role of technology in modernising customs operations, he stressed that sustainable progress depends on investment in human capital.
“Technology alone is not enough. Building the skills and capacity of our officers is critical to maximising the benefits of innovation,” he said.

Nigeria’s Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) team also featured prominently at the conference. The project’s General Manager, Ahmed Ogunsola, spoke on the role of cloud computing and advanced analytics in strengthening customs security and risk management.

According to Ogunsola, Nigeria is leveraging cloud-based infrastructure and data-driven solutions to enhance border controls, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade.

The conference featured keynote speeches from senior UAE officials, including Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, who highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in securing global trade. WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, also underscored the importance of innovation in addressing evolving border threats and safeguarding supply chains.

The event includes panel discussions, case studies, and live demonstrations on digital transformation, risk management, and sustainable customs operations, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its customs system and deepening global partnerships.