The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for stronger collaboration from media practitioners for timely, accurate and responsible dissemination of information about its reforms, to members of the public.
National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCc), made the call on Tuesday July 21, 2026 during a Media Parley with journalists in Port Harcourt as part of events marking the Service’s 2026 Zone-C Public Relations Conference.
Dr Maiwada described the event as a historic engagement and appreciated the Public Relations Unit of Customs for what he described as their continued commitment to strengthen the relationship between the Service and the media community.
Maiwada further called for stronger collaboration between the Customs and media practitioners, who, according to him, are the bridge through which government policies, Customs procedures, grade regulations and enforcement activities are communicated to stakeholders and the general public.
He noted that the role of the Media is critical in shaping perceptions between institutions and the public, strengthen collaboration, and deepen understanding and trust from the public.
“Your participation in this engagement reflects the shared understanding that effective communication, transparency and strategic collaboration and essential ingredients for institutional growth and national development.”
“The Nigeria Customs Service recognises that the media is not merely an observer of what we do as government agency, but partners in national building who occupy a unique and influential position in the society.”
“As an agency like Nigeria Customs Service, we have the responsibility to initiate reforms that has direct impact on national revenue, trade facilitation, border security, economic growth and regional integration. The role of media becomes even more important.”
Similarly, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, Emmanuel Tangwa said the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media remains indispensable in building public trust and promoting informed national discourse.
According to him, the theme of event, ” Realigning Corporate Communication as a Strategic Driver of Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust ” is significant in its ability to strengthen the bridge between the Nigeria Customs Service and the public through open, honest, and constructive dialogue.
“In an era where information travel at unprecedented speed, transparency is no longer optional, it is imperative.”
“This engagement provides an opportunity to share our achievements, clarify policies, address misconceptions, respond to legitimate concerns and reinforce the Service’s commitment to accountability.”
Tangwa further described the event as both symbolic and strategic as one of Nigeria’s foremost maritime and commercial hub, the South-South, occupies a pivotal position in international trade, maritime security, and national economic prosperity.
Meanwhile in his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia-Nsaneh described the theme of the event as both apt and strategic as it resonates with members of the NUJ.
He charged media practitioners, especially those in the Public Relations department to ensure that there is always a two-way communication that builds and sustains mutual understanding, and builds a proper image between the organisation and the public.
He further appreciated the Nigeria Customs Service for its continuous partnership with the Media, assuring that journalists will collaborate effectively with the Service to ensure that its information are dissemination timely, accurately, and effectively.