Customs Launches AI-Driven Training to Boost Revenue Transparency and Efficiency
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a specialised capacity-building programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, in a strategic move to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial management.
The training programme, which held on Monday, 13 April 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts, and representatives of legislative oversight committees, signalling a strengthened partnership between the Service and the National Assembly of Nigeria in advancing accountability and adopting modern governance tools.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to improve transparency in public accounting and operational efficiency.
“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,” Adeniyi stated.
He expressed optimism about the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in Customs operations, noting that the Service functions within a complex national and international trade value chain.
“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, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the initiative as both timely and strategic in addressing existing gaps 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 equip officers with the technical expertise required to deploy AI tools in safeguarding public funds and enhancing revenue assurance. She also acknowledged the participation of lawmakers as a clear demonstration of a shared commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms.
“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative,” she noted.
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,” Salam said.
He described the training as a necessary intervention, observing that the application of Artificial Intelligence within Nigeria’s public institutions remains relatively limited.
“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 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 applauding the ongoing reforms within the Customs Service.
The training also featured a technical presentation by AI expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing trade facilitation, strengthening revenue assurance, and improving operational efficiency across Customs administrations globally.
The initiative underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to harness emerging technologies to modernise its operations, reinforce transparency in revenue management, and align with global best practices in public sector governance.
