Customs Expands Integrity and Reputation Campaign to Zone ‘C’, Reinforces Culture of Transparency

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its drive to build trust and institutional integrity with the extension of its Reputation Management Campaign to Zone ‘C’, Port Harcourt.

The event, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Zone ‘C’ Headquarters auditorium, gathered officers from various commands within the zone for a train-the-trainer workshop. The initiative is designed to equip officers with the skills and strategies needed to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and transparency in daily operations.

Delivering the keynote address, Comptroller Chika Dim of the Eastern Marine Command commended Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for launching what he described as an innovative programme that links service delivery with institutional reputation.

“Officers today are fortunate to serve under forward-looking leadership,” Dim stated. “But true success depends on our deliberate efforts to safeguard and manage the Service’s reputation. The Reputation Management Guide must not remain on the shelf—it should serve as a compass for daily decision-making, helping us reshape public perception and rebuild trust.”

Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized that reputation is one of Customs’ most valuable assets. He stressed that it must be earned through transparency, accountability, and effective communication.

“Reputation is not given; it is earned,” Maiwada said. “Every officer’s conduct contributes to how the Nigeria Customs Service is perceived by the public and stakeholders.”

In her closing remarks, Comptroller Teressa Ezenwa lauded the participants and facilitators, highlighting that the campaign is about more than training—it is about shaping a sustainable culture.

“Reputation is not built in a day,” she noted. “It requires professionalism, patience, and a commitment to the values that define our Service. This campaign reinforces the need for consistency in how we carry ourselves and how we serve the public.”

The workshop also featured interactive breakout sessions where officers analyzed real-life scenarios, applying the principles outlined in the Reputation Management Guide to practical challenges in their commands.

With Zone ‘C’ now on board, the Reputation Campaign continues to gain momentum across the federation. The NCS leadership believes the initiative marks a significant cultural shift that will not only redefine the Service’s image in Nigeria but also strengthen its standing within the global customs community.