Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR addressing participants at the training.

The Nigeria Customs Service is putting finishing touches to plans to commence the deployment of Artificial Intelligence AI tools, as part of measures to curb leakages and ultimately grow its revenue generation.

This is sequel to the commencement of capacity-building programme on AI-driven tools for revenue generation, to boost its remittances and reconciliation.

The training held in Abuja, Monday, April 13, 2026, brought together senior officers of the Service, technology experts and representatives of the National Assembly, especially members drawn from the oversight committees, is in line with efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management.

Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, while speaking at the event, said the Service under his watch remains committed to improving transparency in public accounting by adopting 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.

“The Service is optimistic about the opportunities the AI could offer to improve Customs operations, since the Service operates within a broader national and international trade value chain.

“We equally want to reap the benefits of AI collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage the facilitators, ask questions and take full advantage of the training”, the CGC said.

Adeniyi further noted that the participation of members of the legislative arm of the government alongside Customs officials at the training signposts the growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and adoption of modern technological solutions in public administration and finance management.

Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as both timely and strategic.

She further noted that the 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.

DCG Adeola explained that the programme was designed to address existing gaps in revenue management and to equip officers with the skills required to utilise AI tools to safeguard public funds.

She also acknowledged the presence of members of legislative oversight committees, describing it as evidence of a shared commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability.

“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative,” she added.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended the NCS for its reform-oriented 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.

Salam described the training as a necessary intervention, noting that the application of Artificial Intelligence in public institutions within Nigeria remains limited.

“We must continue to build capacity because the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator 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 commending the NCS for its ongoing reforms.

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 programme underscores the Service’s determination to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen revenue assurance, transparency, and overall operational effectiveness.