The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) has conferred its prestigious “Most Articulate & Strategic Customs Image Maker of the Year 2026” award on the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strategic communication and institutional image management.
The award was presented during AMJON’s 2026 Annual Conference and Awards ceremony, a flagship industry gathering that brought together maritime regulators, media professionals, logistics operators, and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and innovation within Nigeria’s maritime and trade facilitation ecosystem.
Recognition for Communication Excellence in Customs Operations
According to AMJON, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola was selected for the honour based on his consistency in delivering clear, timely, and accurate public information, as well as his strategic role in enhancing the public perception of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly within the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
The association noted that his communication style has contributed significantly to improving transparency, strengthening stakeholder confidence, and deepening engagement between Customs and the trading public.
AMJON officials also commended his proactive approach to crisis communication, describing him as a key figure in modernising how Customs engages with the media and the general public in a rapidly evolving digital information environment.
They further explained that the award reflects his effectiveness in bridging institutional communication gaps and ensuring that Customs operations are better understood by stakeholders across the maritime and trade sectors.
Career Growth and Service within the Nigeria Customs Service
Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 2011 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I and has since built a steady career anchored on public relations, stakeholder management, and strategic communication.
Over the years, he has served in multiple operational environments, including as Command Public Relations Officer in both the Oyo/Osun Area Command and the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, where he played key roles in strengthening institutional visibility and managing public engagement.
His current deployment to the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command places him at one of the most strategically important trade and investment hubs in Nigeria, where effective communication is critical to supporting trade facilitation and compliance.
Educational Background and Professional Credentials
Born on October 10, 1984, in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola began his academic journey at Staff Nursery and Primary School, Ijanikin, before proceeding to Egan High School in Lagos.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University and later obtained an Executive MBA from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
In addition, he is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and has participated in various professional development programmes focused on media relations, crisis communication, and institutional reputation management.
Industry Impact and Stakeholder Engagement
Throughout his career, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola has been recognised for his ability to simplify complex Customs processes for public understanding while maintaining professionalism in stakeholder engagement.
His communication strategies have been widely acknowledged as contributing to improved transparency within Customs operations, especially in high-traffic trade environments such as the Lagos Free Trade Zone.
AMJON noted that his work reflects the increasing importance of strategic communication in the maritime sector, where regulatory clarity and stakeholder trust are essential to operational efficiency and economic growth.
Appreciation and Forward Commitment
In his response to the award, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola expressed appreciation to AMJON for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to continue advancing professionalism and transparency in public communication.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening stakeholder engagement and supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security through effective and responsible communication practices.
Strengthening Maritime Communication in a Digital Era
The recognition comes at a time when government agencies across Nigeria are increasingly embracing digital transformation and communication reforms to improve service delivery and public accountability.
AMJON emphasised that awards such as this are designed to encourage excellence among media and communication professionals who play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of policy implementation and institutional performance.
The association added that Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola’s recognition underscores the growing value of strategic communication in Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors, particularly as the industry continues to evolve in response to global standards and technological advancements.
AMJON Names Customs Spokesman Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola Image Maker of the Year 2026 for Strategic Communication Excellence
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