The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has announced that the Nigeria Customs Service is deploying technology to combat smuggling and manage 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 revealed that the technology has already been developed and is currently being piloted at the Seme-Krake border. He explained that once the pilot phase is successful, the technology will be rolled out across other borders to significantly reduce smuggling.
He emphasized the strong working relationship between Nigeria and neighbouring border countries, particularly Benin Republic. According to him, he has previously visited the Republic of Benin and has continued to work with his counterpart there on joint initiatives. “What we are doing currently is to have a joint task force for processing goods in transit to Nigeria,” Adeniyi stated. “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.”
He noted that Customs has cordial relations with border communities, adding that all border-area commands are encouraged to engage with local residents, who possess valuable knowledge of the terrain. “We operate there, we live with them, and we acknowledge the fact that they know the terrain where we operate. We leverage on the intelligence they provide for us in our operations,” he said.
Adeniyi also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for repositioning the state toward industrial development, assuring that the Customs Service would remain a committed partner in achieving economic growth.Earlier, the Area Controller of Ogun II Area Command, Bisi Alade, disclosed that the command generated over N15 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. He credited the achievement to the support and leadership provided by the Comptroller-General.
