The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered scanners at container-clearing points across the country’s seaports, in a move aimed at strengthening revenue collection and improving transparency.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during the opening of a capacity-building programme on AI-driven revenue generation, remittance, and reconciliation held in Abuja.
According to Adeniyi, the initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing accountability and efficiency in public revenue management. He explained that the AI-enabled scanners would support image analysts in identifying and predicting the nature of goods in containers, thereby streamlining cargo clearance processes.
He emphasized that the training, which includes participation from lawmakers and key stakeholders such as the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee Secretariat, is designed to deepen fiscal governance and improve oversight of government revenues.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a present-day tool with immense capacity to optimize revenue generation, reduce leakages, and ensure accurate remittance and reconciliation,” Adeniyi said.
He further noted that the adoption of AI would strengthen the entire revenue value chain, equipping customs officers with data-driven tools to enhance decision-making and safeguard public funds.
The Customs boss also expressed confidence in the Service’s technology partners to deliver the expertise required for the successful implementation of the initiative.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, commended the Customs Service for embracing innovation and reforms that have significantly boosted revenue performance in recent years.
Salam described the agency as forward-thinking and globally aligned, noting that its openness to modernization positions it as a key player in promoting Nigeria’s international trade reputation and diplomatic standing.
He added that continuous improvement in systems, processes, and structures would ensure the Service remains competitive and compliant with global standards.
