President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined plans to address historical policy inadequacies caused by a lack of comprehensive data in Nigeria. The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed regret over the technological affliction hindering the nation’s growth trajectory during the 2023 Comptroller-General of Customs Annual Conference in Lagos.
Tinubu emphasized the critical role of data in modern governance and announced a vision to leverage it for informed decision-making. Recognized as an “accounting virtuoso,” Tinubu strategically appointed tech-savvy Nigerians to key positions, aiming for strategic planning and historical policy rectification.
Vice President Shettima underscored the need for evidence-based processes, innovative strategies, and transformative intervention in Nigerian policymaking. The administration aims to integrate complex data for international trade insights and position Nigeria as a hub for export and import activities.
President Tinubu lauded the Nigerian Customs Service for accumulating substantial data and called for investments in training Customs officers. The conference, declared open by the President, is expected to set the trajectory for a new era in the Nigeria Customs Service, aligning with global standards.
Customs CG, BA Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of technology in Customs operations, while the Director General of the World Customs Organisation praised Nigeria’s strides in adopting technology for global service delivery.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pledged support for innovations in global trade, emphasizing the importance of thinking outside the box for Nigeria’s sustainability and growth. The Ooni of Ife commended the Customs’ commitment to Tinubu’s eight-point agenda and advocated for a special economic status for Lagos State.
Notable attendees included Sen. Isa Jibrin, Hon. Leke Abejide, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Deputy Governor of Gombe State Manasseh Daniel Jatau, Oba Olugbenle Olu, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and former Comptrollers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
