By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, in a move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public financial management.
The training, held on Monday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts and representatives of legislative oversight committees, underscoring growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to improving transparency in public accounting through the adoption of innovative technologies.
“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 expressed optimism about the opportunities Artificial Intelligence offers in improving Customs operations, noting that the Service operates within a complex national and international trade value chain. He urged participants to actively engage facilitators and maximise the benefits of the training.
In her welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as timely and strategic.
“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 initiative was designed to address existing gaps in revenue management and equip officers with the skills needed to deploy AI tools in safeguarding public funds. She also highlighted the presence of lawmakers as a demonstration of shared commitment to transparency and accountability.
Delivering a goodwill message, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended the NCS for its reform-driven approach and commitment to innovation.
“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, noting that the application of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian public institutions remains limited.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration in building resilient systems capable of serving future generations.
“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 praising ongoing reforms within the Service.
The training also featured a presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing trade facilitation and improving operational efficiency within Customs administrations.
The initiative underscores the NCS’s determination to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen revenue assurance, improve transparency, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
