The Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi has  emphasised the need for institutions to strike a balance between technological advancement and human responsibility, noting that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on ethics, leadership, and institutional competence.

He stated this in a keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.

“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi stated.

He observed that disruptive technology has already transformed global systems through digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart technologies, stressing that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but already operating within it.

According to him, the role of government institutions is to ensure that innovation strengthens public trust, transparency, and operational efficiency rather than weakening accountability structures.

Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service experience, the CGC highlighted the Service’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, which has enhanced trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.

He disclosed that the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders had been reduced to less than eight hours.

“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that technology remains most effective when guided by clear institutional purpose and strong ethical standards.

Adeniyi further stressed that while artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain central to effective governance and enforcement operations.

“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.

The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges. He noted that universities must move beyond theoretical learning to become active drivers of innovation and policy development.