Nigeria Customs Champions AI Adoption in Public Sector Communication

Nigeria Customs Champions AI Adoption in Public Sector Communication

ABUJA – June 23, 2025 — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven storytelling to strengthen public communication and institutional transparency.

This was highlighted during a high-level engagement at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, where renowned AI strategist and digital transformation expert, Celestine Achi, paid a courtesy visit. Achi, author of AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence, was welcomed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and officers of the Public Relations Unit.

Speaking during the visit, Assistant Comptroller Maiwada expressed appreciation for Achi’s visit and the presentation of his new book, describing it as a valuable resource for the Service’s evolving communication strategy.

“The Nigeria Customs Service believes that storytelling backed by data and powered by modern technology is a strategic tool for deepening public trust,” Maiwada said. “We are committed to adopting innovations that enhance the effectiveness and integrity of our communication systems.”

In his remarks, Achi commended the Service’s communication infrastructure and applauded the professionalism and digital foresight of the NCS Public Relations team.

“I was deeply impressed by the intentionality, professionalism, and forward-thinking excellence that you and your team bring to public sector communication,” he stated. “Your integrated media operations and data-backed PR performance are exceptional. With a sentiment score of 85%, Customs is clearly leading by example.”

A key highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the NCS Live PR Attribution Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind digital analytics tool designed to track and visualise media performance across platforms since the appointment of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi in 2023.

“This dashboard is not only a technological innovation, but a strategic model for government agencies seeking measurable impact in digital communication,” Achi noted. “It shows that Customs is not just adapting to the digital era—it is actively shaping it.”

The visit served as a platform for insightful conversations on AI’s role in modern governance, public relations, and digital transformation. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting innovation, institutional transparency, and the strategic use of technology in public sector communication.

The Nigeria Customs Service continues to position itself as a leader in digital transformation, setting a benchmark for excellence in government communication across Africa.