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Customs launches AI-driven training to strengthen revenue management, transparency

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 
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‎The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a capacity-building programme focused on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revenue generation, remittances, and reconciliation, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management.
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‎The training,held on Monday,13th April 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts, and members of legislative oversight committees.
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‎The participation of both lawmakers and Customs officials highlights the growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and integrate modern technological solutions into public administration.
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‎Speaking at the event,the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi,reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to improving transparency in public accounting through innovation.

‎“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting.

“As technology continues to evolve, it plays a critical role in strengthening our operations and enhancing our understanding of global trade patterns,” he said.
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‎The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the potential of Artificial Intelligence to transform Customs operations, noting that the Service operates within a complex national and international trade ecosystem.
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‎“We aim to harness the full benefits of Artificial Intelligence collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage with facilitators, ask questions, and maximise the opportunities provided by this training,” he added.
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‎In her welcome address,the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the programme as both timely and strategic.

‎“This initiative underscores our commitment to national development. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it is a present-day tool we must embrace to strengthen our systems,” she said.
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‎DCG Adeola explained that the training is designed to address existing gaps in revenue management while equipping officers with the necessary skills to deploy AI tools in safeguarding public funds.
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‎She also commended the presence of members of legislative oversight committees, describing it as a reflection of shared commitment to transparency and accountability.
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‎“This level of collaboration is vital. I encourage participants to engage meaningfully and exchange ideas that will enhance the impact of this initiative,” she added.
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‎Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, praised the NCS for its reform-driven approach and commitment to innovation.

‎“Customs is a global institution with a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image.

“I commend the Comptroller-General for the progress recorded so far,” he said.
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‎Salam described the training as a necessary intervention,noting that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence within Nigeria’s public sector remains limited.

‎“We must continue to invest in capacity building, as the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it,” he added.
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‎Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration in building resilient systems capable of serving future generations.
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‎“All hands must be on deck to build systems that will endure and continue to serve the nation effectively in the years ahead,” he said, while commending the Service’s reform efforts.
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‎The programme also featured a technical presentation by AI expert Bamidele Oyedeji, who highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing trade facilitation and improving operational efficiency in Customs administration.

‎The initiative underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen revenue assurance, promote transparency, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.

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Customs

Nigeria’s business community lauds Customs performance in Q1 2026, seeks improvement in service delivery 

Funso OLOJO,Editor 
The critical section of stakeholders in the maritime and aviation industries have expressed satisfaction with the level of performance, service delivery and discipline among officers in the Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Their commendation was based of the performances of all the commands in the Zone in the last three months
Customs Commands in Zone ‘A’ are those located across the six states of the South west geopolitical zone, at the land, airport and sea port borders.
Some of the prominent Commands in Zone ‘A’ include the Apapa  Port Command, Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command,  Ports and Terminals Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command and the Western Marine Command.
 Others are the Ijora Export Terminal, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Murtala Mohammed Cargo Airport Command, Seme Border Command, Idiroko Border Command, Ogun State, the Oyo/Osun Command and Ondo Command.
Many stakeholders who volunteered comments on the scorecard of the NCS Commands in Zone ‘A’ within the first three months of the year, said although Customs officers needed to improve in their service delivery, they however rated their performance high within the period under review.
The assessment focused mainly on resumption time, closing time, prompt attention to, and resolution of complaints from the business community, physical appearance, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Many stakeholders scored the NCS in the Zone high on resumption time and closing time.
According to them, in most of the Commands,  resumption time and closing time, as well as prompt response to complaints and physical appearance of officers are rated grade A.
A respondent, Uju Clifford, a freight forwarder who plies his business between the Seme Border Command and Apapa Area 1 Command, said he felt sorry for Customs officers because most of them resumed as early as 7.45 am and closed around 8 PM.
Clifford narrated a story of how his container was one day detained at the FOU for issues that related to documentation, but when he rushed to the Command in the evening to sort out the cargo, he witnessed that some officers closed by 8 PM. He said he felt sorry for the officers.
Clifford, who hinted that he normally pursues his jobs till late in the evening at the Apapa Area 1 Command, added that under the present management of the NCS led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs service, he has witnessed the highest level of discipline among officers.
 According to him, “They look neat and decent. They talk to us politely, not like those days when they shouted at us. I commend the leadership of the current CG”.
The NCS has continued to demonstrate resilience and efficiency in the first and second quarters of 2026, with its performance scorecard reflecting strong achievements in revenue collection, enforcement, compliance, and strategic seizures across major commands.
Stakeholders were unanimous that from the Apapa Area Command to Tin Can Island and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, operations have remained seamless, with service delivery running smoothly and unhindered.
At Apapa Area Command, revenue collection surged beyond projections, with recoveries from under-declarations and infractions reinforcing the Service’s vigilance.
In the same vein, the Tin Can Island Command recorded significant seizures of contraband, including restricted goods and counterfeit products, underscoring the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national security and economic interests.
Similarly, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained its reputation for precision enforcement, intercepting illicit consignments while ensuring legitimate trade flows without disruption.
The Idiroko Border Command led by Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, was scored high on enforcement drives, discipline, wellness activities and officers welfare.
Stakeholders across the maritime and aviation sectors also commended the Service’s performance.
“The Customs Service has shown remarkable consistency in revenue generation and enforcement.
“Their efficiency in Q1 and Q2 ,2026 has been a stabilizing factor for the economy,” said Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, a maritime industry player.
Assessing the Service’s performance scorecard within the period under review, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, noted that men and officers of the NCS attended to their duties with passion and commitment.
He also saluted the high-level of professionalism displayed by personnel, while encouraging management and operatives within the zone to maintain the traction.
“The reality on the ground is that the Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service in Zone ‘A’ have been very patriotic and professional in the discharge of their duties in recent months, particularly as regards  promptness to duty and attending to clearing agents with courtesy and professionalism.
“I commend the officers in the commands across the zone for discharging their duties so well.
“This shows that the high-level professionalism and patriotism of the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is running off down the ladder.
“I also want to commend all the Customs Area Controllers in the zone for being a very good example to their officers.
“The implication of this good development will be more revenue for the government and enhanced trade facilitation, and it will boost the cordial relationship existing between Customs and the stakeholders, especially Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders”, Onyeme said.
Mr. Chinedu Okafor, a freight forwarder at Tin Can Island, also evaluating service delivery in the cargo clearance system said: “The seizures recorded this year are proof of Customs’ vigilance.
” Beyond that, clearance procedures have become faster, and revenue recoveries are impressive.
” Why we can speak of the need for improvement across board, we must commend the Customs for taking the lead and continue to incline to its appeal for other players like us to step up.”
Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, an aviation logistics expert, emphasized the Service’s resilience:
 “At the airport command, operations have been seamless. Revenue targets are being met, enforcement remains strong, and compliance levels are high.
” The Service deserves commendation for balancing trade facilitation with security.”
The Nigeria Customs Service posted a strong performance in Q1 and Q2 2026, surpassing revenue targets, recording billions in recoveries, and executing major seizures across key commands.
 Stakeholders have lauded the Service’s efficiency, noting its resilience in revenue collection, enforcement, and compliance.
Revenue Performance:
While Q1 2026 export earnings hit $925.84 million, a 38.68% increase compared to Q1 2025, container throughput amounted to 19,014 for Q1 2026, up 95.58% from 9,722 in Q1 2025.
In the same vein, export surcharge collections grossed ₦199.36 million in Q1 2026, with an upswing of 21.81% year-on-year.
 This is even as the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) collections amounted to ₦6.03 billion for Q1 2026, amounting to a 20.15% increase, up from ₦5.01 billion collected in Q1 2025.
Instructively, there’s a projected ₦9 trillion revenue for 2026, based on ₦7.28 trillion collected in 2025; with a projected target increase of ₦697 billion.
Enforcement & Seizures
With a total of 473 smuggling operations foiled in 8 weeks, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos seizures included 8,794 bags of rice (15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 refrigerator compressors, 328 bales of clothing, and 531 cartons of frozen poultry.
Drug Interceptions records indicate that while 3,340 parcels of cannabis (1,540kg), plus 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at ₦2.35 billion was made within the period under review, revenue recovery by the unit amounted to ₦5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) and ₦97.7 million recovered via Demand Notices.
Command Highlights:
While Apapa Area Command surpassed revenue projections, with strong recoveries from under-declarations, Tin Can Island the second largest command recorded significant seizures of contraband and counterfeit goods, reinforcing compliance.
This is even as Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command maintained a seamless enforcement trajectory, intercepting illicit consignments, while facilitating legitimate trade.
With stakeholders affirming the Service’s credibility and efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its reputation as a cornerstone of trade facilitation and national revenue generation. Its Q1 and Q2 2026 scorecard reflects not only resilience but also a forward-looking commitment to excellence in service delivery.
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Customs

FOU A bursts 473 smuggling operations in 8 weeks, records major seizures with N5.5billion DPV

– plans relocation to new ultra- modern Iperu headquarters 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Lagos, has foiled about 473 major smuggling operations across its areas of coverage within the last eight week.
Making this disclosure on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 was the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu while giving account of the performance of the Unit.
According to him, the operations led to the seizure of a wide range of prohibited and contraband items, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 used refrigerator compressors and  328 bales of used clothing.
Others were 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 485 used tyres, 69 cartons of foreign spaghetti, sugar and other food items, as well as 531 cartons of frozen poultry products.
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the Unit launched a special operation codenamed Operation Hawk, targeting illicit drug networks.
This resulted in the seizure of 3,340 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing 1,540kg.
He emphasized that the operation reflects the Unit’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and curb the spread of illicit substances.
In a related development, officers at the Gbaji outpost, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor conveying hard drugs.
The suspect arrested with the prohibited items, a 71-year-old Nigerian, was found in possession of 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Several arrests were made across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States in connection with these seizures.
Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration frameworks.
The Unit also recorded the seizure of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, a controlled substance under the Minamata Convention, concealed in a vehicle.
The suspect and items has been transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.
Beyond seizures, the Unit achieved significant revenue recovery, recording a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦5,504,039,720 within the review period.
Additionally, ₦97,703,596.55 was recovered through the issuance of Demand Notices on improperly declared consignments.
Comptroller Aliyu highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize operations through the deployment of advanced technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and predictive analytics.
These tools, he noted, are enhancing intelligence-led enforcement, improving response times, and disrupting smuggling networks across the Zone.
He further disclosed that the Unit will soon commence a phased relocation to its newly commissioned ultra-modern headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre designed to support real-time monitoring, data analytics, and improved inter-agency coordination.
Reaffirming the Unit’s dual mandate, Comptroller Aliyu stressed that while enforcement remains a priority, the FOU Zone ‘A’ is equally committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant traders are not unduly hindered.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and strategic direction, as well as to stakeholders and the media for their continued support.
The Comptroller reiterated the Unit’s determination to sustain its crackdown on economic sabotage, protect national revenue, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment.
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy across the South-West region.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Comptroller Aliyu stated that the Unit has strengthened enforcement measures in line with the Federal Government’s fiscal policies and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He noted that through enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration, the Unit successfully intercepted 473 smuggling attempts within an eight-week period.
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Customs

Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
 In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
 In the corresponding period  of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
 Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
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