The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has begun a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence, AI, for revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, as it moves to deepen transparency and efficiency in public financial management.

According to a press statement issued by the service and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, noted that the training opened on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. It drew senior Customs officers, technology experts, and members of legislative oversight committees from both chambers of the National Assembly.

The joint participation of lawmakers and Customs officials signals closer collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and drive technology adoption in public administration.

Adeniyi: ‘Technology Helps Us Understand Trade Patterns’*
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service is committed to improving transparency in public accounting through innovative technologies. And that the new technology will help the service understand trade pattern.

“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 said.

He noted that Customs operates within a broader national and international trade value chain, and expressed optimism about the opportunities AI presents to improve operations.

“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.

DCG Adeola: ‘AI Is No Longer a Concept of the Future”.
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as 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.

Adeola explained that the programme targets existing gaps in revenue management and will equip officers with skills to deploy AI tools to safeguard public funds. She said the presence of legislative oversight members shows shared commitment to 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.

On their own, the lawmakers back the reforms and call for it’s sustainability and collaboration.

Chairman, House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, commended 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,” Salam said.

He called the training a necessary intervention, noting that AI use 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.

Chairman, Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu, urged sustained collaboration to build resilient systems for 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,” Aliyu said, while commending the NCS for its ongoing reforms.

The technical session was used to highlight the role of AI in trade facilitation.

The training featured a presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted how Artificial Intelligence can enhance trade facilitation and improve operational efficiency within Customs administrations.

The programme underscores the Service’s push to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen revenue assurance, transparency, and overall operational effectiveness.