Nigeria customs deploys AI to tackle revenue leakages, improve remittances

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to curb revenue leakages and improve remittances through the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across its operations.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a training programme on AI-powered revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation for the Service.

Adeniyi said the adoption of AI was part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, enhancing accountability and improving efficiency in revenue management.

According to him, AI-enabled tools can detect discrepancies in cargo declarations by analysing patterns such as weight inconsistencies, thereby helping to identify under-declarations and other forms of revenue loss.

He noted that while the National Assembly traditionally exercises oversight through summons, the Service had taken a proactive step by inviting members of relevant committees to the training, describing the move as a collaborative effort to achieve fiscal discipline.

“Now we have scanners that are AI enabled that can actually use image analysis to predict the kind of objects that may be considered. We are therefore delighted about the involvement of AI, remedying generation, issue of remittances and reconciliation for the Nigerian Customs Service.

“We are delighted by the potentials and the benefits that technology through AI can give to us,” he said

The Customs boss highlighted the growing role of technology in the agency’s operations over the years, noting that AI and machine learning are now being deployed in risk management, trade classification and non-intrusive inspection systems.

He, however, stressed that revenue generation and remittance processes involve multiple stakeholders, including revenue collection banks, platform providers, auditors, and government oversight bodies.
Adeniyi called for greater collaboration and adoption of similar technologies across the entire value chain to fully realise the benefits of AI.

“We are also trusting our service providers that they have the capacity to share this knowledge with us. But as stated earlier, remedying generation, remittances and reconciliation has a long value chain.

“There are so many players in the system, apart from Nigerian Customs Service, we have revenue collection banks, we have the owners of the platform through which the revenue is generated, we have internal auditors, we have external auditors, we have committees, the Revenue Mobilization Committee, we have the Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee, and of course we have the distinguished committees in the National Assembly.

“So we are only a part of the entire value chain. And now that we have taken this leap forward to enhance our capacity, we want to encourage similar measures by all the other people that are involved, all the other actors that are involved, so that we will be able to collectively reap the benefits that AI offers us,” Adeniyi stated.

The training programme, which will continue for three days, is designed to equip Customs officers with the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in an AI-driven environment.

In her remarks, Kikelomo Adeola, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, described the initiative as a critical step towards improving transparency and accountability in public revenue management.

She said AI offers significant opportunities to optimise revenue processes, minimise leakages, improve remittance accuracy and ensure seamless reconciliation.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future. It is a present-day tool that provides us with the capability to transform how we manage and safeguard public funds,” she said.

Adeola added that the training would expose participants to tools such as automated data analysis, predictive intelligence and real-time reconciliation systems, which are essential for addressing gaps in the revenue value chain.

Also speaking, Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, said the adoption of AI in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to global standards but holds immense potential to improve operational efficiency.

He noted that with the country’s growing budgetary demands, there was a need to explore innovative ways to boost revenue generation.

“There is no better time than now to deploy AI tools in revenue-generating agencies like Customs. This will help block leakages, enhance accountability and improve overall performance,” Salam said.

He also emphasised the importance of integrity and commitment among personnel, noting that the effectiveness of AI tools depends largely on those who operate them.

Salam assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the Nigeria Customs Service in strengthening its operations and achieving its mandate.

In a similar vein, Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for aligning with global technological trends, noting that responsiveness to innovation is critical to institutional success.

He described artificial intelligence as a necessary tool in modern governance but cautioned against over-reliance on technology without human responsibility.

He urged Customs officers to demonstrate discipline and commitment in applying AI tools, noting that no technological system can achieve perfection without human integrity.

The senator further emphasised the need to build sustainable systems that will serve future generations, warning that failure to institutionalise efficiency and accountability could undermine long-term national development.

He, however, acknowledged improvements in the Service’s performance, stating that available records show progress under the current leadership, despite existing challenges.