Nigeria Customs Deploys AI Tools to Combat Fake News, Online Scams
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced efforts to tackle the spread of fake news, online scams and misleading information capable of damaging the image of the Service through the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital data-tracking tools.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this through the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Neccipr Roundtable ’26 held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Algorithm Influence & Public Relations,” brought together communication professionals and other stakeholders to examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital algorithms on public perception and information management.
Speaking at the event, Maiwada stressed the importance of effective communication in helping members of the public understand and appreciate the responsibilities and activities of Customs officers.
He explained that AI had become an important component of the Service’s operations, particularly in risk management, strategic communication and the assessment of imported goods.
According to him, the technology helps Customs assess risks associated with imported items, classify them according to their risk levels and determine appropriate interventions.
Maiwada further disclosed that AI tools were being deployed to analyse public sentiment and understand how Nigerians perceive the activities of the Service.
He added that the NCS was utilising available digital platforms to establish facts, counter misleading narratives and collaborate with relevant agencies to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading false information.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, the convener of the Neccipr Roundtable ’26, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, said the initiative was established on the conviction that public relations professionals must go beyond managing messages to actively shaping national discourse.
She noted that artificial intelligence and digital algorithms were increasingly influencing public opinion, political narratives and the information consumed and shared by millions of Nigerians.
According to her, the growing influence of algorithms raises important questions about who controls information and shapes public understanding in the digital age.
The event also featured keynote addresses by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, and former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, among other dignitaries..
