The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced a capacity-building programme focused 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 Abuja Continental Hotel on April 13, 2026, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts, and members of legislative oversight committees.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service is committed to leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen accountability in public finance.
“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.
Adeniyi encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, noting that Artificial Intelligence offers significant opportunities to improve Customs operations within the broader global trade ecosystem.
In her welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as timely and strategic, stressing the need to adopt AI to strengthen institutional systems and safeguard public funds.
She also highlighted the presence of lawmakers as a reflection of growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly in promoting transparency and accountability.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended the Customs Service for its reform-driven approach, noting that the application of AI in Nigeria’s public sector remains limited.
“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.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration to build resilient systems capable of serving future generations.
The training also featured a presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing trade facilitation and operational efficiency within Customs administrations.
The initiative underscores the Service’s determination to adopt innovative solutions to strengthen revenue assurance, improve transparency, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
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