The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is collaborating with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to check the proliferation of arms into the country.
NCS, in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, its spokesman, said that the collaboration would also strengthen efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs.
He quoted NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi as telling newsmen in the U.S. that the matter was discussed with CBP officials.
He further quoted the NCS boss as saying that the NCS would share experiences with CBP to identify what works for each side.
“We are conducting a needs assessment to determine our priorities.
“The move is a demonstration of NCS’ resolve to enhance response to the increasing threat of gang sophistication,” he further quoted Adeniyi as saying.
Adeniyi was also quoted as saying that he was in San Diego for a conference on the use of geospatial intelligence in customs operations.
“Integrating and adopting tools like AI and geospatial intelligence are central to our discussions with the CBP.
“I am excited that in the days ahead, we will begin to reap the benefits of this engagement,” Adeniyi was quoted as saying.
Maiwada explained that President Bola Tinubu’s pronouncement on removing tariffs to reduce food prices and address food crisis was in accordance with the provisions of the NCS Act 2023.
“The NCS boss has acknowledged the empowerment provided by the Act and commended the President for taking steps to reduce food inflation in Nigeria.
“He is committed to destroying cartels smuggling illicit drugs, arms and ammunition through Nigeria’s ports, using intelligence-driven solutions,” Maiwada said.