By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in a bid to bolster trade efficiency and combat smuggling, has announced plans to harness advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on virtual reality technology (VRT).
The CGC stated this commitment during a two-day workshop dedicated to the installation and utilisation of VRT, organised in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Ho Entertainment.
Speaking on behalf of CGC Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General ACG Malanta Yusuf lauded the partnership with WCO and CCF Korea, recognising it as a crucial step towards leveraging technological advancements in customs operations.
ACG Yusuf stressed the CGC’s unwavering dedication to embracing cutting-edge solutions, citing ongoing officer training initiatives aimed at detecting radioactive materials to thwart smuggling attempts.
Echoing ACG Yusuf’s sentiments, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs College and Staff College (NCCSC), hailed the collaborative efforts as pivotal in enhancing the skills of customs personnel.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would not only elevate inspection protocols but also serve as a deterrent to illicit trade practices.
The workshop garnered praise from Professor Baek Sung-Sil, a representative from the WCO, who lauded the CGC’s forward-looking approach to modernising customs procedures through technology integration.
Professor Sung-Sil commended the dedication exhibited by participants and expressed optimism regarding the positive impact of the training on customs operations.