AI can revolutionize governance, improve transparency — Customs CG

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for public governance in Nigeria, particularly in tackling corruption, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery.

Adeniyi made this known on Monday while delivering a public lecture at the 7th convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Lagos.

 The lecture, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance: Transforming Society through Intelligent Systems,” was attended by students, graduates, academics, media professionals, and public policy stakeholders.

He urged young journalists to broaden their skills beyond traditional reporting by acquiring knowledge in data analysis, algorithmic investigation, and technology policy.

“You must understand how algorithms work, how they are trained, and how to critically evaluate them to ask the right questions,” Adeniyi said.

He encouraged graduates to develop expertise in sectors already using AI, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, and build networks with key players in the AI ecosystem, including policymakers, civil society groups, and technical experts.

Adeniyi stressed that journalism in the AI era demands independence from tech companies, vigilance against algorithmic bias, and a commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities affected by automated systems.

“Ensure those impacted by automated systems are subjects, not mere objects of your reporting,” he told the graduating students, urging them to uphold ethical storytelling and thorough data verification.

He also advised students to prepare for the evolving job market by honing skills that AI cannot easily replace, such as critical thinking, investigative depth, and empathetic, human-centered reporting.

Speaking at the event, the Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, said the lecture theme was carefully chosen to reflect the increasing relevance of AI in national development and to equip young graduates with the knowledge to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Adefaye described Adeniyi as a seasoned media and public relations professional now heading a major government agency where accountability and the use of technology are central to operations.