President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday highlighted the significance of a data-driven approach in modern decision-making, declaring it the “light guiding the ever-evolving landscape of the nation’s economy.
Mr President, who was represented by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, at the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Lagos, stated that the data-driven era aligned with the federal government’s vision for a transformed nation.
Speaking at the conference, which had as its theme “Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations,” President Tinubu stated, “Every part of the world is at the mercy of data, and every day we are reminded of the expanding volume of data upon which our decisions must be rooted
“Data is a light guiding the ever-evolving landscape of our modern world, and we can’t function in the dark.”
Speaking further, he said that data has been a technological application that has hindered not just Nigeria but the entire continent’s growth trajectory, explaining that the inadequacy of data has impeded the ability to make informed decisions, thereby perpetuating a cycle of means, opportunities, and some optimal outcomes.
“For far too long, we have been hindered by this quail of the fourth industrial revolution. What we do in peeling the gaps since we took charge to build on what our predecessors have done is what defines us,” President Tinubu stated.
Tinubu further said the government will not only commit to deploying data to make decisions within the government but will also address the historical inadequacies of Nigerian policymaking, often impeded by a lack of comprehensive data.
He added that the current governance landscape demands a transformative intervention, and the solution is to leverage data analytics.
“We will not only commit to deploying data to make decisions within the government but also to address the historical inadequacies of Nigerian policymaking, often impeded by a lack of comprehensive data.
“Our current governance landscape demands a transformative intervention, and the solution is what has brought us here together today.
“There is no doubt that the timing of this clock of modernity is inviting us to take action.
“Data provides the sharpest lens for us to connect the dots, even in establishing the security of our borders.
“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 stated.
He added that the government is determined to position Nigeria as the prepared destination for all stakeholders involved in export and import activities overseen by the Nigerian Customs Service.
Speaking earlier, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu, expressed admiration for the Customs Service’s visionary approach.
He described the Customs Service as “dynamic” and its leaders as “result-oriented.”
The Governor lauded the ambitious plan to accumulate and utilise vast amounts of data through analytics, recognising the potential for transformative change.
He underscored the pivotal role of Lagos State in the Customs Service’s operations, noting that 40 per cent of commands and over 70 per cent of monthly revenue were generated within Lagos.
The Governor pledged unwavering support, envisioning Lagos as an even more significant hub for customs services.
Sanwo Olu linked the Customs Service’s goals to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification, emphasising the need to move beyond reliance on oil.
He highlighted the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for customs operations and promising infrastructure development for seamless services.
On his part, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the significance of the conference by emphasising its role in shaping government policies and aligning customs operations with President Tinubu’s agenda.
He painted a historical picture, tracing the roots of the Customs Service and underscoring its commitment to adapting to technology and global best practices.
Signifying the transformative journey that lies ahead. Adeniyi also highlighted the Customs Service’s commitment to data integrity and its ambition to position Nigeria as the preferred destination for stakeholders involved in export and import activities.
He underscored the need for training and capacity building, acknowledging the crucial role of customs officers in building a robust data-centric infrastructure.
“As we revive this essential tradition, we will embark on a transformative journey characterised by impactful collaboration, unwavering commitment, and collective problem-solving policies.
Together, we strive into a future where customs actively contribute to the progress and prosperity of our great nation,” the Customs CG, Adewale Adeniyi, stated.
