Wale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve service delivery within governance. Speaking at the 7th convocation lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos, Adeniyi discussed the transformative role AI could play in public governance. His presentation, titled “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance: Transforming Society Through Intelligent Systems,” outlined how AI can benefit various sectors, especially for those involved in importation.
Adeniyi explained that AI would streamline operations in the maritime industry by assisting both Customs officers and importers in predicting the classification of imports. He added that AI could reduce the time required for complex classifications to just seconds or minutes, enhancing efficiency. He further noted that AI is reshaping the very structure of government operations, creating both opportunities and challenges that require new approaches to journalistic coverage and accountability.
AI, according to Adeniyi, is now an essential component of modern public governance, driving both innovation and the creation of public value. However, he also acknowledged the “AI tensions” that come with balancing efficiency, equity, centralization, and democratic participation, all of which have become more pressing in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
