Customs CG urges journalists to leverage AI for improved governance
Omeiza Bilal
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged journalists to embrace the positive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for enhancing public governance and strengthening the role of the media in society.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, during the 7th Convocation Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), where he delivered a lecture titled “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance”, the CGC emphasised the need to focus on AI’s benefits rather than its risks.
He said, “Before now, journalist sort information from numerous sources but today artificial intelligence makes it easier. Despite this existing fact, there is a need to look beyond AI negative effect as I believe our young journalists will build on this enhanced capacity by asking the right questions when necessary. Then we can talk about how it improves governance.”
Addressing the spread of misinformation, Adeniyi highlighted the role of AI in curbing fake news, stressing the need for intentional research and informed public discourse.
He also called for a curriculum review across security agencies to integrate AI education, noting the importance of regular training for personnel.
“Regarding security, we have to bridge the divide by reviewing the basic curriculum we teach our new entry in all security agencies. And for those already in the system, continuous refresher courses will help them keep up with the speed of what is happening in the AI space”, he concluded.
