The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it is going to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven systems at cargo clearance points at all the seaports in the country declaring that this signals the fact that it is not relenting on its digitization process.
This disclosure was made known by Customs’ Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, spoke at the opening of a specialized training in Abuja. The training is on AI in revenue generation, remittance and reconciliation with gathered Customs officers and other stakeholders as members which include representatives of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) Secretariat.
According to Adeniyi, the fact that lawmakers and oversight bodies are part of the programme is a pointer to its wider objective which is not only on improving revenue generation but as well focused on strengthening fiscal responsibility and governance which underscored shared values in improving transparency, efficiency, accountability in Public Financial Management.
AI scanners which can read cargo images and easily detect a prohibited or a skewed item with more accuracy will be one of the core areas. It is anticipated that this system will help officers make quicker and better decisions during inspection.
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Integrating AI into Customs operations is not optional again but a necessity as the world trade and financial systems are becoming more complex. AI is a practical tool which can greatly enhance revenue collection, reduce leakages, improve remittance accuracy and make reconciliation easier.
He added that the training programme is likely to facilitate the understanding and acquisition of knowledge related to technical skills which will be put to practice through effective applications of AI solutions designed to help the Service achieve its vision of using data driven insights to enhance her capacity in managing and safeguarding public funds efficiently.
Commending the leadership of the NCS in this drive for innovation and reform, Bamidele Salam, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said that the NCS in the last three years has shown to be quite dynamic with its approach to issues. “Year-in-year-out there has been an improvement from what is realised through your activities and I don’t think it can be divorced from this management being open to new ideas,” he stated.
Salam also noted that Customs Service, being a globally recognizable organization, is responsible not only for revenue generation, but also for the projection of Nigeria’s image to the international community, hence the need for compliance with global best systems and processes in order to enhance operational standards and national status in global trade.
