By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step toward strengthening its strategic communication capacity with the induction of 70 of its Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The induction ceremony, held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, marks the first mass induction of Customs Public Relations officers into the Institute since 2013. The initiative underscores the Service’s commitment to professionalising its communication workforce and enhancing its ability to effectively project reforms, operations and institutional achievements.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication architecture.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service’s transformation, including its recognition as one of the best-performing government agencies in promoting Ease of Doing Business, was driven by deliberate reforms that require skilled communication professionals to showcase the Service’s achievements with clarity, credibility and professionalism.
Adeniyi noted that as the Service continues its transition to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations officers must remain proactive in combating misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence.
“Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to communicate with clarity and take the necessary steps to address misinformation swiftly and decisively,” he charged the newly inducted officers.
The Comptroller-General also disclosed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. He described the programme as a legacy project whose impact should continue to be amplified through ethical and strategic communication.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in the development of certified communication practitioners.
According to him, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Service has evolved into a respected national institution recognised for its reforms, corporate excellence and increasing influence within the global Customs community.
“You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, retired Comptroller of Customs and former National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the Public Relations profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication.
He encouraged them to pursue continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR activities, stressing that effective crisis communication requires composure, empathy and strategic thinking.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, said the milestone would not have been possible without the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the contributions of former Service spokespersons who laid the foundation for the growth of the Public Relations Unit.
The induction of the 70 officers represents another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reform agenda and reinforces its commitment to institutionalising excellence in strategic communication.
Category: Security | Government | Public Affairs | Corporate Communications
