By Our Reporter

Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has urged the management of the Nigerian Customs Service to adopt a strategic and balanced approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations, emphasizing the need to combine technological innovation with human expertise.
He made this call during the opening of a two-day training workshop on AI-powered revenue generation, remittance, and reconciliation held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre in Abuja.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Wadada commended the Customs Service for its outstanding performance in recent years, particularly in boosting government revenue. He attributed this success to disciplined administration, operational efficiency, and ongoing institutional reforms under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to the senator, the agency’s achievements represent a historic high point in Nigeria’s revenue generation efforts. “Nigeria has never had it so good,” he remarked, highlighting the significant strides made by the Service.
Wadada also underscored the transformative potential of AI in public sector governance, noting that the technology could greatly improve efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in revenue collection processes. However, he cautioned that while AI offers vast opportunities, it should not replace critical human oversight.
He called on the Customs leadership to ensure that AI adoption is carefully managed to complement, rather than supplant, human decision-making.
The lawmaker further encouraged continuous innovation and capacity development within the Service, stressing that the proper integration of AI-driven systems would strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and contribute to sustainable economic growth.