The event welcomed twelve delegates from the Nigeria Customs
Service and the management and staff of the trade modernization project
representing the private sector.
The presentations in the performances showing the dynamic
economy of Vietnam set the tone for the event.
Welcoming participants at the conference, the secretary
general of the WCO, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, highlighted the critical role of
technology in supporting Customs Administrations around the globe.
Speaking at the conference, the Acting CGC emphasized the
significance of the WCO Technology Conference, which has been a pivotal event
for over a decade, providing a platform for customs administrations, partner
companies, sponsors, technology firms, and more to collaborate and exchange
insights on the effective integration of technology in customs operations.
He highlighted that this year’s edition continued the
tradition of exposing participants to advanced technological solutions for
addressing complex customs challenges.
Adeniyi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve learned a
lot, seeing the deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning,
non-intrusive technology, and various data analytics to analyze customs issues
and provide solutions.”
Adeniyi believes adopting these technological solutions will
be a game-changer for Nigeria, improving trade facilitation and revenue
generation. He expressed his readiness to initiate processes for their adoption
in Nigeria.
Worthy of note at the conference were the breakout sessions
that delved into contemporary challenges and innovative solutions in diverse
areas, especially gender equality, of which Chief Superintendent of Customs
Oluwabukola Omoniyi, a delegate from Nigeria was part of the discussants.
The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of
ICT/Modernization, ACG Kikelomo Adeola, also attended the conference and shared
her commitment to embracing the e-commerce process. She emphasized the
automation and AI-driven approach to improving customs operations.
Jummai Umar Ajijola, the Managing Director of the Trade Modernization Project, emphasized the strong partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernization Project, highlighting their alignment to ensure the end-to-end automation of Nigeria Customs Service processes and procedures.
The conference’s theme, “Embracing the Digital Age:
Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation
of Customs Professionals,” underscored the importance of technology in customs
operations and the continuous development of customs professionals.
During his vote of thanks to wrap up the end of the
conference, the WCO Secretary General, ably represented by Hans Pieters, Head
of Administration and Personnel WCO, announced that the 2024 edition of the WCO
Technology Conference and Exhibition would be hosted by Africa in Cairo, Egypt.