The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun a three-day training programme for its personnel on artificial intelligence-powered revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation, as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the training would enable the service to optimise its operations in a rapidly evolving technological environment. He noted that participants would be equipped to function effectively in an AI-driven setting, helping to curb leakages and boost efficiency.
Mr Adeniyi highlighted AI’s role in risk management, enabling the service to manage growing trade volumes and better understand patterns and trends necessary for effective participation in global trade. He added that the World Customs Organisation (WCO) had introduced AI into the harmonised system, allowing users to apply machine learning to improve tariff classification accuracy.
“We have also made extensive use of AI in the non-intrusive space. Now we have scanners that are AI-enabled and can lead image analysts to predict concealed objects,” he said. “We are therefore delighted about the involvement of AI in revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation for the NCS.”
The Comptroller-General emphasised that collaboration with relevant stakeholders in public accountability was critical to advancing a more transparent, technology-driven revenue ecosystem. He noted that revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation involve a long value chain, including the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), auditors, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and National Assembly committees. He urged other stakeholders to build their capacities to collectively harness the benefits of AI.
Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of finance, administration and technical services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the training as a significant milestone to strengthen efficiency and accountability in public revenue management. She said the service was determined to embrace innovative technology to improve efficiency, reduce leakages, enhance remittance accuracy and ensure seamless reconciliation.
“The training aims to equip officers and stakeholders with the knowledge, tools and strategic insights required to deploy AI-driven solutions in addressing existing gaps within the revenue value chain,” she said. According to her, AI offers the capability to transform how public funds are managed and safeguarded through advanced data analysis, predictive intelligence and debt reconciliation systems.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, called the training a needed intervention to improve the NCS’s performance in public accountability. He expressed confidence that the initiative would reduce the number of infractions recorded and assured the service of the committee’s support.
Stakeholders within the sub-sector and the oversight ecosystem are also participating in the training, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
