Customs Comptroller-General Adeniyi Advises Journalists How Best To Deploy AI

By Cami Ezenwa,

Pictures by Gbemile Oluwatosin

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi has advised journalists on how best to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge in advancing the course of their professional careers.

Mr Adeniyi presented the perspective today in Lagos while delivering this year’s convocation lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba Lagos.

Speaking around the theme: “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance: Transforming Society through Intelligent Systems”, he stated that as very useful as AI, but that its potential to exacerbate digital divides presents particular concern for Africa.

Many countries in the region, the CG stated currently lack access to technology, even data remains expensive and internet connectivity variable, affecting developers & entrepreneurs.

Notwithstanding, continuous public engagement in AI governance, he added,  is essential in addressing the challenges through ongoing stakeholder engagement, rigorous impact evaluation, willingness to modify or abandon biased systems and centering human rights, dignity, and democratic values

The Comptroller-General stated that one of the best approaches for journalists towards Artificial Intelligence is to view it as both a technical beat as well as an extension of traditional watchdog journalism asking fundamental questions.

Such a stance, he stated, would lead the practitioner to ask fundamental questions, like: Who benefits, Who might be harmed? Who makes decisions?, and speakiHow can those with power be held accountable?

Question and answer session

NIJ Provost, right, presents a gift to the CG; in the middle is Mr Ray Ekpu

“Through rigorous investigation, clear explanation, and persistent accountability reporting, you can help citizens understand and engage with AI systems that increasingly shape their lives”, he advised.

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On the best practices in AI governance reporting generally, the comptroller-General stated that the role of the journalist entailed doing the following:

• In-depth understanding of the system being investigated; to
• Ensure data quality and transparency in reporting
• Build interdisciplinary teams to enhance investigative capacity
• Develop clear methodologies for algorithmic auditing
• Focus on accountability structures
• Go beyond technical explanations to reveal underlying power structures.
• Document organisational practices and policies
• Follow the money and map power relationship

Journalists should develop practical skills to investigate and report on AI governance effectively through specialised training in data analysis, algorithmic investigation, and technology policy.

They should also develop basic literacy in how algorithms work, as well as ask informed questions when investigating AI systems; develop subject matter expertise in domains where AI is deployed in Nigeria, including customs systems and others, as well as build sources within the AI ecosystem.

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 In addition to developing practical data analysis and verification skills is increasingly essential for covering AI, journalists, he added should:

• Address job displacement concerns by developing complementary skills AI cannot easily replicate.
• When reporting on vulnerable populations affected by algorithmic systems, prioritize their voices and experiences, ensuring they are subjects rather than objects of your journalism.
• Maintain independence from technology companies you cover, being wary of becoming overly dependent on proprietary tools that may limit your autonomy or subtly shape reporting, the comptroller-General stated.

Earlier, chairman of the lecture who is also vice chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Mr Ray Ekpu, had described Adeniyi as a perfect example of who a good Public Relations person should be, expressing happiness that he had progressed from image making to becoming a newsmaker.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a gift to the Comptroller-General