AI push to boost Customs revenue, transparency
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a strategic capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, as part of efforts to enhance transparency, plug leakages and
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a strategic capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, as part of efforts to enhance transparency, plug leakages and improve efficiency in the country’s public financial management system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Service’s national public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, who said the initiative underscores Customs’ commitment to deploying innovative technologies to strengthen revenue assurance and operational effectiveness.
According to the statement, the training, held on Monday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts and members of legislative oversight committees, reflecting deepening collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly in advancing accountability and modernising public administration.
Maiwada noted that the programme is designed to equip officers with data-driven tools to improve reconciliation processes, optimise remittances and enhance the Service’s capacity to monitor trade patterns within the broader international value chain.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the Service’s resolve to strengthen transparency and operational efficiency through technology-driven reforms, during his remarks at the event.
“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. Technology continues to evolve and plays an important role in strengthening our operations. It has also helped us better understand patterns in international trade,” he said.
Adeniyi highlighted the broader economic implications of adopting AI within Customs operations, noting that the Service functions within an interconnected global trade value chain where data intelligence is critical to performance.
“We want to reap the benefits of Artificial Intelligence collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage the facilitators, ask questions and take full advantage of the training,” he added.
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the initiative as both timely and strategic, particularly in addressing inefficiencies in revenue management.
“This training reflects our commitment to national development. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is a technology we must embrace to strengthen our systems,” she said.
Adeola explained that the programme was specifically designed to bridge existing gaps in revenue administration and equip officers with the technical expertise required to deploy AI tools in safeguarding public funds and improving financial reporting accuracy.
She also emphasised the presence of lawmakers as a critical element in fostering institutional synergy and strengthening oversight.
“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative,” she added.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended the NCS for its commitment to innovation and sustained reform momentum.
“Customs is a global institution and plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image. I commend the Comptroller-General for the progress made so far,” he said.
Salam described the training as a critical intervention in a system where the application of Artificial Intelligence remains relatively nascent.
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“We must continue to build capacity because the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it,” he added.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration in building durable and future-ready public sector systems.
“All hands must be on deck. We must build systems that will endure and continue to serve the nation for years to come,” he said, while commending the Service’s ongoing reforms.
The statement added that the training featured a technical presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing trade facilitation, improving risk management and driving operational efficiency within Customs administrations.
Maiwada noted that the initiative reflects the Service’s broader determination to align its operations with global best practices by leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen revenue assurance, transparency and overall performance.
