By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon, to the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Abdullahi Maiwada, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The visit, which formed part of the Force PRO’s familiarisation tour following his assumption of office, provided an opportunity for both institutions to deepen their longstanding relationship and explore new areas of cooperation in support of national security and effective institutional communication.
The engagement also coincided with the induction of 70 officers and personnel of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), underscoring the Service’s commitment to professionalism and ethical communication.
Speaking during the meeting, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, DC Abdullahi Maiwada, appreciated the visit and commended the Nigeria Police Force for prioritising institutional partnerships among public sector communication professionals.
He described the engagement as a demonstration of the shared responsibility both institutions have in shaping public perception, strengthening stakeholder confidence and advancing government policies through effective communication.
“The NCS values its longstanding relationship with the NPF. Today’s engagement presents another opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration between our Public Relations Units and collectively contribute towards building stronger institutions through effective communication and stakeholder engagement,” Maiwada said.
Earlier, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering stronger partnerships with sister agencies, particularly in areas that promote public trust and institutional effectiveness.
According to him, strategic communication has become indispensable in modern governance and security administration, making collaboration among public relations practitioners across government institutions both necessary and timely.
“This visit is aimed at further strengthening the cordial relationship between the NPF and the NCS, while enhancing collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing. As institutions serving the Nigerian people, we must continue to work together to promote professionalism, transparency and effective communication in support of our national security objectives,” Okokon stated.
The meeting highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the two security agencies in promoting effective communication, transparency and public confidence in the discharge of their respective mandates.
