Nigeria Customs Service don begin use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to fight fake news, online scams and false information wey fit damage the image of the organisation.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclose this development for one statement wey the spokesperson of the service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, release on Sunday for Abuja.
Adeniyi talk about the initiative during the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations Roundtable, wey get the theme, “Algorithm Influence and Public Relations.”
According to am, the new move go help Customs monitor wetin people dey post online, check whether the information na true and respond to misleading stories wey dey circulate.
The initiative go also allow the service work with relevant government agencies to identify and arrest people wey dey spread false information or use online platforms to carry out fraud.
Adeniyi stress say proper communication dey important to help Nigerians understand the reasons behind the actions and operations of Customs officers.
E explain say Artificial Intelligence don become an important tool for both the daily work of the service and how the organisation dey communicate with members of the public.
According to am, AI don dey play important role for Customs operations over the years, including how the service dey carry out its main duties and manage information about its activities.
E said, “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.”
The Customs boss explain say the service already dey use AI to help assess imported goods and place them into different risk groups.
This system dey help officers identify goods wey fit carry higher risks and decide the kind of checks or action wey dem need to take.
Apart from helping with import checks, AI fit also help Customs understand how Nigerians dey react to the activities of the service.
Through the technology, the organisation fit study public reactions and gather information about how people dey see its operations.
The Nigeria Customs Service also dey use digital platforms to confirm information and work with other government agencies to tackle people wey dey spread misleading stories online.
The roundtable meeting focus on how digital technology and Artificial Intelligence dey change the way organisations communicate with the public, especially as social media and online platforms continue to influence public opinion.
