President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern that the absence of comprehensive data and technological applications hinders Nigeria’s economic growth and efficient policymaking.
According to him, the inadequacy of data has impeded the country’s ability to make informed decisions, thereby perpetuating a cycle of mixed opportunities and some optimal outcomes for far too long.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the ongoing Comptroller-General of Customs Conference held with the theme, ‘Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations,’
Mr President, who was represented by Kashim Shettima, vice president, said the current government will not only commit to deploying data to make decisions within the government but to address the historical inadequacies of Nigerian policymaking, often impeded by a lack of comprehensive data.
“We will commit not only to developing new policies but also to optimising them from misinformation and inconsistent policies within the government. We will also adopt evidence-based processes and innovative strategies to align policies with this administration’s objectives, streamline decision-making, and resolve conflict arising in the country,” Tinubu said.
According to him, integrating complex data to interpret the patterns of our transactions and interactions is even more needed in international trade because dividends transcend the determination of revenues.
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“Data provides the sharpest lens for us to connect the dots. Even in establishing the security of our borders, we can easily determine the future of our countries. We can easily determine the traffic of people and goods around a specific border and share indisputable information with other nations with just a punch on our computers,” he added.
On his part, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, who said that Nigeria Customs performs critical roles including border security, revenue generation and trade facilitation, assured that Lagos will continue to create an enabling environment for Customs operations to thrive.
“We will create the needed infrastructure, such as the Lekki Deep Seaport and the incoming Badagry Deep Seaport, that will make Customs Service operate seamlessly in the state,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said modern-day technology could become a strong driver and an enabler for Customs to innovate and develop capacity and capability that will take it to an enviable position and to be able to compete with counterparts anywhere in the world.
According to him, technology can enable Customs to perform its statutory duties more efficiently and with greater results. It can help Nigeria improve its current level of bilateral or multilateral treaties.
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“We cannot rely on a mono product called oil alone. We need to be able to diversify and think out of the box. Mr President has set an agenda for the country to achieve a 1 trillion GDP between now and 2030. It is a daunting and very serious business, but Nigeria Customs is vital in realising this target.
“Customs is very strategic to the pronouncement of Mr. President. They’re critical to the economic sustainability of our country and revenue generation in a manner of efficiency,” the governor added.
Earlier, Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general of Customs, said that Customs is eagerly looking to embrace technology and global best practices to remain at the forefront of its mission and standing at a crossroads of innovation.
He said that the theme Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs operations is a strategic alignment with the present demands of contemporary governance in a time dominated by information and digital advancements.
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According to him, Customs management will continue to strive for a future where Nigeria Customs will actively contribute to the progress and prosperity of this great nation.
He said the Service is committed to using meticulous data management to improve security, facilitate trade and positively engage its stakeholders.
Pointing out the importance of Lagos to Customs operations, the CGC said that Lagos State houses 40 per cent of its commands and contributes over 70 per cent to its monthly revenue.
He assured Nigeria Customs Service would remain sleepless until it met its goal of integrating and streamlining its operations to meet international standards.
