The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a Data Analytics Centre and inspected a newly installed Drive-Through Scanner at Apapa Port as part of efforts to enhance intelligence-driven operations and improve cargo clearance processes.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility on Tuesday at the Apapa Customs Command in Lagos, Adeniyi emphasised the central role of data in modern Customs administration, describing it as the real currency of international business and a critical tool for effective communication and cooperation among global institutions.
According to him, credible data remains the backbone of the Service’s risk management architecture, noting that effective participation in global trade facilitation initiatives largely depends on the availability of reliable data to support decision-making and strengthen collaboration.
The Customs boss explained that virtually every project undertaken by the Service through information and communication technology is driven by data, stressing that programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme and risk indicators rely heavily on accurate and timely information.
He noted that Customs organisations across the world are increasingly adopting data-driven systems to enhance efficiency and improve compliance, adding that the newly commissioned analytics centre would play a vital role in strengthening the Service’s operational intelligence.
Adeniyi commended the Service’s ICT department and the Apapa Customs Command for their efforts in establishing the facility, expressing confidence that intelligence generated from data analysis would significantly improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
He also urged officers to maximise the use of the facility and encouraged stakeholders and partner government agencies to maintain trust in the Service, assuring them that decisions taken by the Customs administration would be guided by intelligence generated from data analysis at the centre.
As part of the event, the Comptroller-General also commissioned a clinic housed within the new two-storey building to improve the health and welfare of officers and personnel of the Service.
According to him, the provision of quality healthcare facilities is essential to ensure that officers remain physically and mentally fit to perform their duties effectively, particularly in demanding operational environments.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, described the new facility as the beginning of a new era of intelligence-driven Customs operations and improved welfare for officers.
He explained that the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena was designed with a futuristic and data-driven approach to border security, noting that it would house key operational units including a state-of-the-art Analytics Centre of Excellence, the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the Command’s clinic and other strategic offices.
Oshoba stated that the infrastructure reflects the vision of the Comptroller-General to deploy modern technology and analytics to combat smuggling, strengthen national security and facilitate legitimate trade.
He added that the project represents a success story of the Customs-PACT (Partnership for Cooperation in Trade) initiative championed by the CGC, while appreciating stakeholders and partners whose collaboration made the rapid transformation possible.
During the visit, Adeniyi also inspected the newly installed Drive-Through Scanner at APM Terminals Apapa, which is expected to significantly enhance cargo inspection processes at the port.
The scanner system is designed to phase out manual documentation by automatically connecting scanned cargo images with electronic declarations in real time, thereby streamlining the clearance process, improving accuracy and strengthening security checks.
Customs officials said the technology will drastically reduce cargo dwell time at the port, minimise the need for physical examination of consignments and improve the detection of prohibited items.
