PR Confab: NCS, Media deepen partnership to boost public confidence 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has underscored the importance of a stronger partnership with the media as it seeks to enhance public confidence, improve awareness of its reforms and prom ote accurate reporting on its operations.

The commitment was reaffirmed last week during a strategic media engagement preceding 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 session open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Addressing journalists and communication professionals from the South-East and South-South zones, Acting ACG Chibuoke encouraged participants to take full advantage of the conference, stressing that effective communication remains critical to strengthening the Service’s relationship with the public.

He urged stakeholders to continue projecting the positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service through accurate information sharing and greater public understanding of the agency’s statutory responsibilities.

Speaking at the event, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as a vital partner in advancing the Service’s transformation agenda. He noted that the ongoing reforms in Customs require public support, which can only be achieved through transparent communication and credible reporting.

“The reforms and innovations we are driving in the Nigeria Customs Service cannot succeed in isolation without public understanding and trust,” Maiwada stated.

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 both timely and strategic.

She commended the Comptroller-General for fostering a culture of openness that has strengthened public engagement and applauded the National Public Relations Officer for sustaining effective communication initiatives across the Service.

Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said the choice of Port Harcourt as host city reflects the strategic importance of the South-South region to Nigeria’s economy. According to him, the conference provides an avenue to showcase the Service’s achievements, explain key policies and address public misconceptions through direct engagement with the media.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for maintaining a transparent relationship with journalists. He reaffirmed the commitment of the media to accurate, timely and responsible reporting, noting that sustained collaboration between the press and Customs will further strengthen public trust.