Fesochukwu Jason
The Nigeria Customs Service has signaled a major shift in Nigeria’s public finance accountability system, as Controller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi declared that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will drastically reduce revenue queries and oversight summons from lawmakers.
Speaking at a high-level training on AI-driven revenue generation and reconciliation in Abuja, Adeniyi said the agency is transitioning from a reactive system—where officials are repeatedly summoned to explain discrepancies—to a proactive, technology-backed framework that ensures transparency from the start.
For years, government agencies, including Customs, have faced intense scrutiny from the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees over issues related to revenue leakages and remittances. Adeniyi acknowledged this reality but noted that a new era is emerging.
“What you have been used to over the years are summons… but today, we are flipping that,” he said, highlighting a deliberate move toward accountability driven by innovation rather than enforcement.
From Legislative Pressure to Institutional Transparency
Adeniyi described the oversight role of the legislature as critical but emphasized that AI would help reduce the frequency of such interventions by eliminating inconsistencies in revenue reporting.
He noted that the Customs Service is now aligning its operations with modern technological systems capable of tracking, analyzing, and reconciling revenue in real time.
According to him, this shift is not about avoiding scrutiny but about strengthening internal systems to meet accountability standards before questions arise.
“We are united by a common objective of achieving fiscal discipline and ensuring that every naira due to the federation is accounted for,” he stated.
AI as a Tool for Eliminating Revenue Leakages
The Customs boss revealed that AI is already playing a key role in transforming operations within the Service, particularly in areas such as cargo inspection, trade classification, and risk management.
With the deployment of AI-enabled scanners and intelligent data systems, Customs can now detect irregularities faster and more accurately.
He explained that machine learning tools are also being integrated into classification systems, helping officers make better decisions while reducing human error and manipulation.
These innovations are expected to significantly curb revenue leakages—a long-standing challenge in Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Multi-Agency Collaboration at the Core
Adeniyi stressed that accountability in revenue generation is not the sole responsibility of Customs but a shared duty across multiple institutions.
He pointed to the involvement of key stakeholders, including revenue collection banks, audit bodies, and government committees, as essential to building a transparent ecosystem.
The presence of lawmakers and oversight committees at the training reflects a growing synergy between operators and regulators.
Rather than operating in isolation, the Customs Service is now fostering collaboration aimed at strengthening trust and improving outcomes across the entire revenue chain.
Building Capacity for a Digital Future
Deputy Comptroller-General Kikelomo Adeola described the training as a strategic intervention designed to prepare officers for the demands of a digital revenue system.
She noted that AI offers capabilities such as automated data analysis, predictive intelligence, and real-time reconciliation, all of which are critical for modern public finance management.
According to her, the programme is not just about learning new tools but about driving a cultural shift toward innovation, efficiency, and accountability.
She encouraged participants to actively engage, ask questions, and contribute ideas that could reshape revenue processes within the Service.
A New Era for Public Finance Management
The ongoing training marks a significant turning point in how Nigeria approaches revenue generation and accountability.
By integrating AI into its operations, the Customs Service is positioning itself to reduce reliance on manual processes, minimize errors, and enhance public trust.
Adeniyi expressed optimism that as these systems mature, the need for frequent legislative summons will decline, replaced by a more transparent and self-regulating framework.
The initiative also signals a broader transformation within Nigeria’s public sector, where technology is increasingly being leveraged to address systemic challenges.
With AI now at the forefront, the Customs Service is redefining its internal processes and setting a new standard for accountability in government institutions.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.