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Establish AI Commission To Tackle Revenue Leakages, PAAC Advises Tinubu
The Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, has advised President Bola Tinubu to establish Artificial Intelligence Commission(AI) to address revenue leakages in the country.
Onabanjo, in an interview with The Tide’s source, in Lagos, yesterday, said establishing Artificial Intelligence Commission(AI) would turn around Nigeria’s education, health, housing, trade and tourism sectors among others.
“With the establishment of Artificial Intelligence Commission, and by integrating AI algorithms into the government’s financial systems, suspicious transactions and patterns can be automatically flagged for further investigation.
“AI can analyse large volumes of data in real-time, identify anomalies, and detect potential cases of fraud or revenue leakage,” he said.
Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, called for enhanced Data Analytics Capabilities through utilisation of Enterprises Resources Planning(Oracle ERP) system to gather data from various government departments and agencies.
“By leveraging on AI-powered analytics tools, the government can gain valuable insights into revenue collection, expenditure patterns, and identify areas where leakages are occurring.
“This data-driven approach will help to identify loopholes and develop strategies to plug them,” he said.
Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, said that the use of AI would also strengthen tax compliance and revenue collection by government.
“AI can be employed to automate the tax collection process, ensuring accurate and efficient assessment, billing, and collection of taxes.
“AI algorithms will analyse tax data, identify potential tax evaders, and facilitate targeted enforcement actions. This can help increase tax compliance and revenue generation.
“ERP systems will also be utilised to streamline and automate procurement processes.
“AI-powered analytics will help identify discrepancies, detect fraud, and ensure transparency in procurement transactions. This can minimise leakage and corruption in procurement activities.
“AI will assist in identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in revenue collection processes.
“By analysing historical data and patterns, AI algorithms can predict potential areas of revenue leakage and enable proactive measures to mitigate risks,” he said.
Onabanjo said that implementing ERP systems would facilitate data sharing and collaboration among different government agencies involved in revenue collection and management.
According to him, this will enable real-time data exchange, improve coordination, and enhance visibility into revenue-related activities, making it easier to identify and address leakages.
The PAAC chairman called on the government to also invest in capacity building.
“To effectively leverage AI and ERP resources, it is essential to invest in training government personnel to use these technologies.
“Building a skilled workforce that can handle data analysis, AI algorithms, and ERP systems will ensure the successful implementation and utilization of these resources.
“It’s important to note that addressing revenue leakages requires a holistic approach, including policy reforms, enforcement mechanisms, and transparency initiatives.
“AI and ERP resources can complement these efforts by providing advanced tools and insights to identify and tackle revenue leakages effectively,” he stated.
He was of the view that Oracle ERP implementation could streamline government processes, improve data management, and promote transparency in financial transactions.
According to him, this will help the government in making informed decisions, reducing inefficiencies, and minimising corruption.
Onabanjo said: “ERP systems can consolidate and automate various administrative functions, leading to cost savings in areas such as procurement, inventory management, and payroll.
“This can free up resources that can be redirected towards other developmental initiatives.
“With an efficient ERP system in place, government departments can provide better services to citizens.
“Streamlined processes and improved data management can result in faster response times, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced service quality.”
According to him, ERP systems generate vast amounts of data, which can be analysed to gain insights and support evidence-based decision making.
He said that it could help the government to identify trends, evaluate policy effectiveness, and allocate resources more effectively.
“In addition to ERP implementation, the integration of AI technologies can further benefit the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis capabilities, and improve decision-making processes,” he disclosed.
He listed few the ways AI could help to include Intelligent Automation, Data Analysis and Predictive Modelling, Fraud Detection and Cybersecurity among others.
“AI-powered automation can streamline processes across various government departments, increasing efficiency, and reducing human error. This can lead to improved service delivery and cost savings,” he stated.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene