The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has said that artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies are reshaping Customs operations and revenue systems, improving efficiency, transparency and institutional accountability.
In a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kwara Area Command of the Service, SM Suleiman, the Customs boss made the remarks last Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” brought together scholars, policymakers, technocrats and international academics to examine the impact of emerging technologies on governance, trade systems and institutional development.
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said artificial intelligence was already transforming how Customs administrations process trade information and make operational decisions.
He said, “Artificial intelligence is reshaping how Customs institutions analyse trade flows, enhance decision-making and improve operational efficiency.”
The Customs boss added that operatives remained committed to aligning with global technological trends to strengthen revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security.
“We are committed to aligning with emerging technological realities to improve revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security,” he said.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial agencies, auditors, policymakers and the legislature in strengthening national revenue systems.
“No institution can effectively deliver on economic management in isolation; collaboration is essential to building sustainable national systems,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General later paid a working visit to the Kwara Area Command, where he was briefed on operational activities, enforcement actions and revenue performance.
He commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism, discipline and commitment to the service’s core mandates.
Adeniyi also inspected the Government Warehouse, expressing satisfaction with the management of seized and forfeited items, while urging continued adherence to accountability, transparency and proper documentation.
The command described the visit as a morale booster and a reaffirmation of the service’s commitment to efficiency, integrity and improved public service delivery.
