The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a three-day training for its personnel on artificial intelligence-powered revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation aimed at improving its operations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Abuja, the NCS comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi, said that the training would enable the service to optimise its operations in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Mr Adeniyi said that participants would be equipped with the necessary knowledge and capacity to function effectively in an AI-driven environment, thereby helping curb leakages and boost operational efficiency.
He emphasised the role of AI in risk management, saying it has enabled the service to manage increasing trade volumes and better understand patterns and trends necessary for effective participation in global trade.
He said the World Customs Organisation (WCO) introduced AI into the harmonised system, enabling users to apply machine learning to enhance understanding and improve accuracy in tariff classification.
“We have also made extensive use of AI in non-intrusive space. Now we have scanners that are AI-enabled that can actually lead image analysts to predict the kind of objects that may be concealed.
“We are therefore delighted about the involvement of AI in revenue generation, the issue of remittances and reconciliation for the NCS,” he said.
The C-G emphasised that collaboration with relevant stakeholders in public accountability was critical to advancing a more transparent, technology-driven revenue ecosystem.
According to him, 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, among others.
He said the NCS was only a fraction of the chain and urged other stakeholders to build their capacities to collectively harness the benefits of AI for improved operations and optimal results.
Earlier in her remarks, Kikelomo Adeola, the deputy comptroller-general of customs in charge of finance, administration and technical services, described the training as a significant milestone to strengthen efficiency and accountability in public revenue management.
Ms Adeola said that as global trade and financial systems grow more complex, the service was determined to embrace innovative technology to improve efficiency, reduce leakages, enhance remittance accuracy and ensure seamless reconciliation.
She said that 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.
According to her, AI, through advanced data analysis, predictive intelligence and debt reconciliation systems, offers the capability to transform how public funds are managed and safeguarded.
The training, she said, was a platform for exchanging ideas, embracing innovation and developing actionable solutions.
On his part, Bamidele Salam, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, described the training as a needed intervention to improve the NCS’s performance in public accountability.
Mr Salam expressed confidence that the initiative would reduce the number of infractions recorded, while assuring the service of the committee’s support in discharging its duties.
Stakeholders within the subsector and the oversight ecosystem are also participating in the training.