The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed that the service is integrating technology into its operations to combat smuggling and enhance the regulation of cross-border transportation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Adeniyi made this known on Wednesday during a working visit to the Ogun II Area Command in Abeokuta.
He disclosed that the technology system, designed to streamline border activities—is already being tested at the Seme-Krake border linking Nigeria and Benin.
According to him, the initiative, once fully implemented, will significantly reduce illegal trade activities along the borders.
“We have a robust relationship with border countries,” he said.
“I have been to the Republic of Benin to meet with my colleague over there, and since then, we have had opportunities to work together on several issues.
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“They have always been forthcoming in providing the platform; we exchange information and intelligence.
“What we are doing currently is to have a Joint-task force for processing goods in transit to Nigeria.
“We are going to deploy technology to manage transport between the two countries; we have already developed it and are only piloting it now at the Seme-Krake border.
“By the time we finish the piloting, once it is successful, we are going to deploy it along the borders, and it will help us reduce smuggling,” Adeniyi stated.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation between Customs officers and residents of border communities, describing their relationship as cordial and strategic.
“All our customs commands around the borders are encouraged to have structures with which they relate to community members.
“We operate there, we live with them, we also acknowledged the fact that they know the terrain where we operate.
“We leverage on the intelligence they provide for us in our operations,” he added.
The Customs boss also lauded Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his contributions to the industrial transformation of the state, assuring the state of continued support from the Customs Service in advancing economic development.
In his remarks, the Area Controller of Ogun II Area Command, Bisi Alade, reported that the command recorded over N15 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025.
He credited the feat to the consistent backing and motivation from the Comptroller-General.