The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new training programme on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve revenue generation, remittances, and financial reconciliation.

The initiative, held in Abuja on 13 April 2026, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts, and members of the National Assembly.

Officials say the move is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s public financial system.

Why it matters

Public revenue management remains a key issue in Nigeria, where leakages and inefficiencies have long affected government finances.

By adopting AI tools, the Customs Service hopes to better track trade patterns, reduce errors, and improve the accuracy of remittances to government accounts.

The programme also signals a shift towards digital governance, as public institutions increasingly adopt emerging technologies.

‘We are united on transparency’ — Customs chief

Speaking at the training, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said technology is central to improving accountability.

“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. Technology continues to evolve and plays an important role in strengthening our operations. It has also helped us better understand patterns in international trade,” he said.

He added that the Service aims to fully harness AI across its operations.

“We want to reap the benefits of Artificial Intelligence collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage the facilitators, ask questions and take full advantage of the training.”

Closing gaps in revenue management

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the initiative as both timely and strategic.

“This training reflects our commitment to national development. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is a technology we must embrace to strengthen our systems,” she said.

She noted that the programme is designed to address gaps in revenue management and equip officers with modern tools.

“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative.”

Lawmakers back reforms

Lawmakers at the event praised the Customs Service for embracing innovation.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, said the agency plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image.

“Customs is a global institution and plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image. I commend the Comptroller-General for the progress made so far,” he said.

He added that capacity building is essential for success.

“We must continue to build capacity because the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it.”

Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu, called for sustained collaboration.

“All hands must be on deck. We must build systems that will endure and continue to serve the nation for years to come.”

Industry and expert perspective

Technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji told participants that AI could significantly improve trade facilitation and operational efficiency.

Analysts say adopting AI in customs processes could reduce delays at ports, improve compliance, and increase government revenue.

However, they note that success will depend on training, infrastructure, and consistent policy implementation.

What’s next

The Customs Service is expected to expand the use of AI tools across its operations, particularly in revenue assurance and trade monitoring.

If effectively implemented, the reforms could improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business and strengthen investor confidence.

A fraudulent WhatsApp scheme impersonating Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, has sparked fresh concerns over rising digital scams in Nigeria.

The scammers, posing as the banking executive, reportedly created a WhatsApp group named “Value Focus Club 60” using the number +234 915 708 8290, luring users into fake investment opportunities.

Access Holdings has distanced itself from the scheme, warning the public that neither the chairman nor the company operates investment platforms via WhatsApp.

What the company says

In a public warning, the company made it clear:

“The Chairman is NOT on WhatsApp running any investment group. Access Holdings does NOT offer investment advice via WhatsApp. Any message claiming otherwise is 100% fake.”

The alert followed a tip-off from a whistleblower who identified the fraudulent activity and raised the alarm.

Why it matters

Cyber fraud through social messaging platforms is becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, where digital banking and online investments are growing rapidly.

Scammers often exploit the credibility of well-known business leaders to gain trust, making schemes like this particularly dangerous for unsuspecting users.

Financial analysts say such impersonation tactics can damage public trust in legitimate institutions while exposing individuals to significant financial loss.

How the scam works

The fraudsters used:

A fake WhatsApp group (Value Focus Club 60)

A Nigerian phone number to appear legitimate

The real image of the Access Holdings chairman

Their goal is to convince victims to join, invest, and share sensitive personal or banking information.

What you should do

Authorities and the company advise the public to take the following precautions:

Do not join or engage with the group

Never share personal or banking details online

Block and report the number on WhatsApp

Inform friends and family to prevent further spread

Industry perspective

Cybersecurity experts warn that impersonation scams are evolving, especially on platforms like WhatsApp where identity verification is limited.

They urge users to verify any investment opportunity through official company websites or regulated financial channels.

What’s next

Access Holdings says it is working to shut down the fraudulent operation, but experts stress that public awareness remains the strongest defence.

Regulators may also intensify efforts to track and prosecute digital fraud networks as cases continue to rise.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed mobile network operators to compensate subscribers who suffer prolonged or repeated network outages, in a new framework set to take effect from April 2026.

The policy targets areas where telecom providers fail to meet regulatory Quality of Service (QoS) standards, marking a shift toward direct consumer compensation in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Under the directive, affected users will receive airtime credits automatically—without needing to file complaints.

What the new rule means

The NCC said compensation will apply to subscribers in specific Local Government Areas where operators fall below required performance benchmarks.

To qualify, users must have experienced poor service and made at least one paid activity such as a call, SMS, or data usage during the affected period.

The regulator stated:

“Operators are required and mandated to identify affected subscribers and provide compensation directly.”

Both individuals and corporate customers are covered under the framework.

How compensation will work

Compensation will be issued as airtime credit, which can be used for calls, data, SMS, or USSD services.

The amount will depend on:

The user’s spending during the outage period

The operator’s service performance in the area

Verified usage data

Subscribers will be notified via SMS once the credit has been applied

Why it matters

For years, Nigerian telecom users have complained about dropped calls, slow internet, and unreliable service.

This new framework introduces a financial consequence for operators who fail to meet standards—potentially improving service delivery across the country.

It also strengthens existing consumer protections under the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024 and QoS Regulations 2024.

Limits and exclusions

Not all service disruptions will qualify for compensation.

The NCC clarified that:

Short or quickly resolved outages may not be eligible

Exceptional events like vandalism, fibre cuts, or natural disasters will be reviewed case by case

Foreign SIM cards roaming in Nigeria are also excluded from the scheme.

Industry and consumer impact

The directive could increase operational pressure on telecom companies, which may face both compensation payouts and regulatory fines for repeated failures.

For consumers, however, it represents a major shift toward accountability.

Industry analysts say the move could encourage operators to invest more in infrastructure and network resilience.

What happens next

The NCC will monitor compliance and may conduct independent audits to ensure operators follow the directive.

Compensation will only be triggered after the Commission confirms a breach of service standards.

More details, including affected locations, are expected to be published on the NCC’s official website.