By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service has taken a significant step toward modernising revenue administration and strengthening financial transparency with the introduction of artificial intelligence–driven tools into its operational processes, as senior officials, lawmakers and key stakeholders gathered for a capacity-building programme on the application of AI in public finance management.
The initiative was unveiled during a training programme on artificial intelligence–powered revenue assurance and reconciliation systems organised by the Service, bringing together officials from the National Assembly, oversight bodies and financial institutions to deepen understanding of emerging technologies capable of transforming public revenue administration.
Delivering the keynote address, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the programme was designed to foster stronger collaboration between the Customs Service and oversight institutions, particularly the Public Accounts Committees of the legislature, in order to improve accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline in Nigeria’s public finance ecosystem.
Adeniyi acknowledged the traditional oversight role played by parliamentary committees, noting that the Service has over the years regularly appeared before lawmakers to respond to summons and explain issues arising from its operations.
“In any presidential system of government, the responsibility of oversight rests squarely with the legislature,” he said, adding that public institutions such as the Customs Service are constitutionally obligated to respond to such summons whenever issues arise concerning revenue generation and public financial management.
He noted that the current engagement represented a shift from the conventional approach where agencies are summoned to account for perceived discrepancies, explaining that the Service deliberately invited lawmakers and stakeholders to participate in a knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at improving mutual understanding of evolving technologies shaping modern customs administration.
According to the Customs boss, both the Service and the National Assembly share a common objective of ensuring transparency in public finance and strengthening fiscal discipline across government institutions.
“We are united by a common objective of achieving fiscal discipline and accountability, particularly in the area of revenue generation,” he said.
Adeniyi highlighted the transformative role technology has played in Customs operations over the past two decades, stressing that digital innovations have significantly enhanced cargo management, trade facilitation and revenue assurance mechanisms.
He revealed that advanced automated systems now help the Service analyse large volumes of trade data, identify patterns in international commerce and improve compliance through programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator scheme.
The Customs chief also noted that the introduction of artificial intelligence into the Harmonised System (HS) classification framework by the World Customs Organization has further simplified the process of commodity classification by enabling users to accurately determine tariff codes through intelligent digital tools.
He explained that AI is also being deployed in the Service’s non-intrusive inspection processes through advanced scanning technologies capable of analysing cargo contents and detecting irregularities without the need for manual inspections.
“These technologies allow us to better predict the type of goods being transported and improve our risk-management systems,” he said, expressing optimism about the vast opportunities AI offers in strengthening revenue generation, compliance monitoring and trade security.
While emphasising the benefits of the technology, Adeniyi stressed that the revenue collection ecosystem involves multiple actors beyond the Customs Service, including platform operators, internal and external auditors, banks, regulatory agencies and legislative oversight committees.
According to him, the training programme therefore aims to build collective capacity across the entire system so that all stakeholders can fully harness the benefits of artificial intelligence in public financial management.
He disclosed that the programme would run for three days and would later continue at the Customs training college, where officers will receive more intensive instruction on AI-driven operational tools over the coming months.
Adeniyi encouraged participants to engage actively during the sessions, noting that deeper understanding of the Service’s evolving technological processes would ultimately reduce misunderstandings and queries often raised during legislative oversight engagements.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Kikelomo Adeola, described the training programme as a significant milestone in the Service’s journey toward transparency, efficiency and innovation in revenue management.
Adeola said the increasing complexity of global trade and financial systems makes it imperative for public institutions to adopt advanced technologies capable of improving operational effectiveness.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future. It is a present-day tool that offers unprecedented opportunities to optimise revenue processes, minimise leakages, improve accuracy and strengthen compliance,” she said.
She explained that the training was designed to equip Customs officers and key stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to apply AI solutions in addressing existing operational challenges, particularly in areas such as data analytics, risk management, predictive intelligence and real-time revenue monitoring.
Adeola emphasised that the collaboration between lawmakers, oversight bodies and executive agencies represented in the programme demonstrates a shared commitment to accountability and responsible management of public funds.
“The presence of distinguished legislators and oversight institutions reflects our collective resolve to ensure that every naira due to the Nigerian people is properly accounted for,” she stated.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the training by engaging actively, sharing experiences and exploring innovative ideas that could strengthen Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended the Customs Service for embracing innovation and demonstrating openness to institutional reforms.
Salam recalled that when the current National Assembly began reviewing audit reports from previous years, several compliance issues involving government agencies—including Customs—required detailed examination by the committee.
He explained that the work of the Public Accounts Committee is often misunderstood as merely identifying errors in financial records, whereas its primary objective is to strengthen systems and improve institutional performance.
“What we are interested in is the functionality of the system and the degree of compliance with the laws guiding financial administration,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that over the past three years, the Customs Service has distinguished itself among government agencies by demonstrating willingness to adopt reforms and implement recommendations arising from oversight engagements.
According to him, the Service occupies a unique position as a globally interconnected organisation whose operations influence Nigeria’s image in international trade and diplomacy.
He stressed that improving operational processes and adopting modern technologies are essential for Nigeria to remain competitive in the global trade environment.
Salam further described artificial intelligence as a transformative tool already reshaping sectors across the world, from healthcare and logistics to manufacturing and financial management.
He cited examples of how AI technologies are being used globally to improve medical diagnostics, automate service delivery and enhance operational efficiency across industries.
“There is no better time for institutions like the Customs Service to embrace these tools and integrate them into their operational systems,” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that Nigeria’s growing infrastructure and development needs require increased revenue generation, emphasising that agencies responsible for revenue collection must continue to improve efficiency while blocking leakages.
He commended the leadership of the Customs Service for its progress in strengthening institutional integrity and enhancing revenue performance, while encouraging officers to remain committed to continuous improvement.
Salam assured the Service of sustained support from the House of Representatives, pledging that the Public Accounts Committee would continue to collaborate with Customs to strengthen accountability and improve the country’s public financial management systems.
He noted that the committee’s review of recent audit reports has already shown a gradual reduction in the number of infractions associated with the Service, an indication of ongoing reforms within the organisation.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification and stronger fiscal governance, the integration of artificial intelligence into customs administration is expected to play a crucial role in improving trade facilitation, boosting revenue generation and strengthening transparency across the country’s public finance architecture.
