The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS is deploying artificial intelligence and digital tracking tools to detect misleading online content, identify scams and counter false information targeting the Service.
The initiative also involves using digital intelligence to monitor public sentiment, establish facts and work with other security agencies to identify those responsible for spreading deceptive information.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this on Friday, October 30, 2026, while representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Neccipr Roundtable 2026 in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Algorithm Influence and Public Relations,” Maiwada said artificial intelligence had become increasingly important to both Customs operations and strategic communication.
He explained that the technology was already being used in risk management to assess imported goods, classify them according to risk levels and guide appropriate Customs interventions.
Maiwada added that AI could help the Service analyse public sentiment and understand how Nigerians perceive its activities, enabling it to respond more effectively to misinformation.
He said Customs was using available digital platforms to establish facts and collaborating with relevant agencies to track down individuals behind misleading information.
Earlier, the convener of the roundtable, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, said public relations professionals must go beyond managing organisational messages to playing a leading role in national discourse.
She said the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital algorithms had raised concerns about who controls the information Nigerians consume and how online platforms shape public opinion.
The event featured keynote addresses by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ike Neliaku, and former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, among other invited dignitaries.