By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with journalists as part of efforts to build public trust, improve communication on its reforms, and ensure Nigerians receive accurate information on its trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling and economic development responsibilities.
The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday during a strategic media parley held ahead of the opening of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Pascal Chibuoke, declared the media parley open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Chibuoke welcomed participants from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones and urged them to make the most of the conference sessions.
He stressed the importance of effective communication in projecting the Service’s achievements and responsibilities.
“Let us continue to project the positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective communication and stronger public understanding of our statutory responsibilities,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described journalists as indispensable partners in nation-building, noting that effective communication remains critical to the success of the Service’s ongoing reforms.
According to him, the Customs Service cannot successfully implement its reforms and innovations without public understanding and confidence.
“The reforms and innovations we are driving in the Nigeria Customs Service cannot succeed in isolation without public understanding and trust,” Maiwada said.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, described the conference theme, “Realigning Corporate Communication as a Strategic Driver of Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust,” as timely and relevant.
She commended the Comptroller-General for sustaining a communication culture that has strengthened public engagement and praised the National Public Relations Officer for consolidating those efforts.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt reflected the Service’s recognition of the South-South region’s strategic contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the engagement would provide an opportunity for the Service to showcase its achievements, explain its policies and address public misconceptions.
“This engagement is more than a meeting. It provides an opportunity to share our achievements, explain our policies and correct misconceptions,” Tangwa said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia, also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
He said transparency remains the foundation of public confidence and pledged the continued support of journalists in ensuring accurate, timely and responsible dissemination of information.
“Our responsibility is to communicate the truth and sustain public trust. As journalists in Rivers State, we will continue to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure information is disseminated accurately, promptly and responsibly,” Bazia stated.
The 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference is expected to bring together public relations professionals, Customs officers, media practitioners and key stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing corporate communication and strengthening public trust in the Service.
