The Nigeria Customs Service is deploying Artificial Intelligence and digital intelligence tools to tackle fake news, online scams and misleading information capable of damaging the reputation of the service.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by the service’s spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.
Mr Adeniyi spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations Roundtable, themed “Algorithm Influence and Public Relations.”
Customs to monitor online information
The Customs boss said the initiative would enable the service to monitor information circulating online, establish facts and counter misleading narratives.
He added that the service would collaborate with relevant government agencies to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading false or fraudulent content.
Mr Adeniyi stressed the importance of effective communication in helping Nigerians understand the reasons behind the actions and operations of Customs officers.
“The role of AI cannot be overemphasised, especially within our operations. Over the years, AI has been deployed in our core operational duties as well as strategic communication,” he said.
AI already used for Customs operations
Mr Adeniyi said Artificial Intelligence was already being used in the service’s risk management operations to assess imported goods and classify them according to different risk levels.
According to him, the technology helps Customs determine appropriate interventions based on the identified risks.
He added that AI could also analyse public sentiment and provide insights into how Nigerians perceive the activities of the service.
The NCS is also using digital platforms to verify information and working with other agencies to tackle the spread of misleading claims.
The roundtable examined the growing influence of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence on public communication.
The discussions focused on how algorithms and emerging technologies are changing the way information is generated, distributed and consumed, as well as their implications for public relations and institutional reputation.
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