By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a capacity-building programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances, and reconciliation, in a strategic move to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s public financial management system.
The training, held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts, and members of legislative oversight committees. The initiative reflects growing collaboration between the NCS and the National Assembly of Nigeria aimed at strengthening accountability through the adoption of modern technologies.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to improving transparency in public accounting through innovation. He noted that emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, are increasingly shaping global trade operations and enabling better data-driven decision-making.
“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. Technology continues to evolve and plays a vital role in strengthening our operations. It has also helped us better understand patterns in international trade,” Adeniyi said
He further expressed optimism about the potential of AI to transform Customs operations, emphasizing the importance of collective learning and active participation among officers undergoing the training. According to him, the Service operates within a complex global trade ecosystem, making it essential to leverage intelligent systems for efficiency and compliance.
In her welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as both timely and strategic. She highlighted the urgent need for Customs personnel to embrace AI as a critical tool for modern governance.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day necessity. This training is designed to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to close gaps in revenue management and safeguard public funds,” she stated.
Adeola also commended the participation of lawmakers, noting that their presence underscores a shared commitment to transparency and accountability. She encouraged participants to actively engage facilitators and exchange ideas that would enhance the effectiveness of the initiative.
Delivering a goodwill message, Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, praised the NCS for its reform-driven approach and commitment to innovation. He described Customs as a critical institution in shaping Nigeria’s economic reputation on the global stage.
“Customs is a global institution that plays a key role in defining Nigeria’s economic image. The application of Artificial Intelligence in public institutions is still evolving, and initiatives like this are necessary to build capacity,” Salam noted.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration in building resilient systems capable of serving future generations. He emphasized the importance of institutional reforms that can stand the test of time.
The training also featured a technical session by AI expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who outlined how Artificial Intelligence can enhance trade facilitation, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen revenue assurance within Customs administrations.
Overall, the programme underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to leverage emerging technologies to improve revenue collection, ensure accurate remittances, and strengthen reconciliation processes. As digital transformation accelerates globally, the NCS’s AI-driven initiative positions the agency at the forefront of modern public sector reform in Nigeria.
