By ANDREW UTULU
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation as part of efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management.
The training, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts and representatives of legislative oversight committees.
The participation of lawmakers and Customs officials reflects growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and adopt modern technological solutions in public administration.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service 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,” he said.
The CGC expressed optimism about the opportunities Artificial Intelligence offers to improve Customs operations, while noting that the Service operates within a broader 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 programme as both 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.
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.
