By Helen Udo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a strategic communication initiative aimed at strengthening public trust, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and supporting trade facilitation through more effective information management.
The conference, held in Port Harcourt on 22 July 2026, brought together Customs officers and personnel to develop communication strategies that align with the Service’s ongoing reforms and operational achievements.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said communication should be integrated into every aspect of Customs operations rather than treated as an afterthought.
Maiwada stressed that effective communication promotes public confidence, improves compliance, and helps citizens better understand the impact of Customs reforms on national development.
He also urged officers to humanise reforms by showcasing success stories that demonstrate how Customs’ initiatives positively affect businesses and everyday Nigerians.
During the first technical session, Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, encouraged participants to embrace strategic planning, innovation, and corporate communication as vital tools for institutional growth.
In the second session, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt highlighted stakeholder engagement as a key driver of successful organisational transformation, emphasising that trust, consistency, and people-centred communication are essential for lasting reforms.
Dike described trust as the foundation of business relationships, noting that an institution’s reputation ultimately defines its long-term legacy.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali focused on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, stressing that its success depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain.
A panel discussion moderated by Parry Benson featured senior Customs officers who shared practical experiences and strategies for managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, urged public relations practitioners to become reliable sources of information by communicating clearly, listening to stakeholders, and maintaining consistency in public engagement.
The conference ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, recognising it as a critical tool for driving reforms, enhancing stakeholder confidence, and promoting institutional excellence.
