The Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, represented Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi at the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations (NECCIPR) Roundtable.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital intelligence tools to combat fake news and online scams.
The initiative will monitor online information, verify facts, and counter misleading narratives that may harm the service’s reputation.
Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi announced this in a statement issued in Abuja by spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada.
He addressed the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations (NECCIPR) Roundtable.
Adeniyi emphasised the importance of effective communication in helping the public understand the reasons behind Customs officers’ actions and operations.
He noted that artificial intelligence is increasingly important in Customs operations, particularly in risk management and strategic communication.
“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.
Adeniyi explained that AI-assisted risk management helps assess imported goods and categorise them by risk level. This enables the service to determine appropriate Customs interventions.
He added that AI can analyse public sentiment and provide insights into Nigerians’ perceptions of the service’s activities.
He stated that the NCS is also leveraging digital platforms to verify information and collaborate with relevant agencies.
He said this collaboration will help identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading misleading information.
The roundtable, themed ‘Algorithm Influence and Public Relations’, examined the increasing impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on public communication.
