Nigeria Customs Plans AI, Advanced Scanners and Electronic Cargo Tracking
MBTV News | 13 November 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service says it plans to use artificial intelligence, advanced scanners, geospatial tools and electronic cargo tracking to strengthen enforcement against illicit trade.
Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi announced the direction at the inaugural Customs Police Summit in Abuja. He said criminal networks increasingly use legitimate trade routes and digital systems to move prohibited or illicit goods.
Technology with human oversight
Adeniyi said automated systems would help identify risks and improve investigations, but would not replace human judgement. Searches, arrests and detentions must still be based on lawful grounds and remain subject to audit trails, data protection and human oversight.
The service’s B’Odogwu platform already combines declarations, valuation, risk management and authorised-economic-operator processes. Customs says future integration with scanners and tracking systems should allow officers to focus attention on higher-risk movements.
Accountability requirement
The Customs chief also warned officers against abusing enforcement powers under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The announced measures are plans and operational priorities; MBTV has not seen a published timetable showing when every proposed tool will be fully deployed nationwide.
Sources: summit remarks and technology plan; independent report of the announcement; Nigeria Customs policy emphasis on innovation and data analytics.
Image note: Licensed illustrative port photograph; it is not a Nigerian customs facility.
