The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital intelligence tools to combat fake news and online scams.
The initiative aims to monitor online information, establish facts and counter misleading narratives capable of damaging the service’s reputation.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, noted this in statement on Sunday in Abuja by the service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
The comptroller-general spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations (NECCIPR) Roundtable.
Mr Adeniyi stressed the importance of effective communication in helping the public understand the rationale behind customs officers’ actions and operations.
He said artificial intelligence had become increasingly important in customs operations, including risk management and strategic communication.
He stated, “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.”
Mr Adeniyi explained that AI-assisted risk management helped assess imported goods and categorise them according to their respective risk levels.
He said this enabled the service to determine appropriate customs interventions.
He added that AI could analyse public sentiment and provide insights into Nigerians’ perceptions of the service’s activities.
According to him, the NCS is also leveraging digital platforms to establish facts and collaborate with relevant agencies.
He said the collaboration would help identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading misleading information.
The roundtable, with the theme ‘Algorithm Influence and Public Relations,’ examined the growing influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on public communication.
(NAN)
