Nigeria Customs Showcases B’Odogwu, AI-Driven Operations At 2026 WCO Global Event
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has showcased its digital transformation initiatives, including the deployment of its Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu), at the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Smart Customs Project Global Event in Brussels, Belgium.
The two-day event, held from October 29 to 30, 2026, at the WCO Headquarters, brought together Customs administrations, technology experts and international stakeholders to explore how emerging technologies can improve Customs operations, strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate international trade.
The NCS was represented by Assistant Comptroller Omolara Adedeji, who presented Nigeria’s progress towards building a technology-driven Customs administration.
In her presentation titled “Nigeria Customs Service: The Journey Towards Smart Customs,” Adedeji explained how the Service is transitioning from traditional manual operations to integrated digital processes through its ongoing Modernisation Project.
She identified the development and deployment of B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, as a major milestone in the transformation process, noting that the platform supports automation, electronic processing, data-driven decision-making and improved collaboration with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private-sector stakeholders.
According to her, the NCS is building its Smart Customs vision around two major pillars: smart technology and smart data.
She explained that smart technology involves automation, integrated systems, digital platforms and modern ICT infrastructure, while smart data focuses on intelligence-led interventions, data-driven risk management, analytics and improved information sharing.
Adedeji also stressed the importance of developing human capacity to sustain the Service’s digital transformation, particularly through continuous training and upskilling of personnel to equip them with the technical expertise required to drive innovation.
She further highlighted the application of geospatial technology in fleet management, asset management and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), explaining how these innovations are improving operational monitoring, resource management and cargo visibility.
The Customs official disclosed that the Service’s modernisation agenda was extending beyond basic automation to intelligent operations, with priority areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, predictive analytics, non-intrusive inspection, integrated border management, interoperability and real-time operational intelligence.
She said the adoption of these technologies, alongside investment in personnel, would enable the Service to anticipate risks, improve operational intelligence and facilitate seamless trade.
The event also featured the unveiling of the updated WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, with presentations from Customs administrations that contributed case studies, including Nigeria, China and Mauritius.
Other sessions examined the Smart Customs Project’s deliverables under its Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Blockchain packages, as well as AI governance and deployment readiness in Customs administrations.
Representatives from Cambodia, Mexico, Türkiye and Vietnam also participated in discussions on institutional preparedness, governance frameworks and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies.
