By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service has initiated a partnership with the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in curbing the influx of illicit drugs and arms into Nigeria.
In a recent interview, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi revealed that discussions with CBP officials in Washington DC focused on enhancing operations to counter increasingly sophisticated criminal gangs.
Adeniyi showed the potential benefits of integrating AI and geospatial intelligence, following his attendance at a conference in San Diego on the topic.
He expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming collaboration, citing a needs assessment to determine priorities.
Regarding tariff adjustments aimed at addressing food prices and inflation, Adeniyi acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s authority to modify tariffs on imported goods, as empowered by the Nigeria Customs Service 2023.
The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting smuggling networks and combating illicit trade through intelligence-driven strategies.