By Helen Udo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step toward strengthening its communication capacity with the induction of 70 Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marking the Service’s first mass induction since 2013.
The induction ceremony, held at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, underscores the Service’s commitment to professionalising its Public Relations workforce and enhancing strategic communication in support of ongoing reforms.
Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication architecture, saying competent professionals are essential to effectively project Customs’ achievements and reforms.
Adeniyi noted that the Service’s transformation, including its recognition as Nigeria’s best performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business, was driven by deliberate reforms that require credible and ethical communication.
He urged the newly inducted officers to remain proactive in combating misinformation, shaping positive public perception and maintaining stakeholders’ confidence as the Service advances towards a technology driven Customs administration.
The Comptroller-General also disclosed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, describing it as a legacy project that deserves sustained public visibility.
NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for investing in professional communication, noting that the agency has become a respected national institution admired for its reforms and growing global reputation.
Former National Public Relations Officer, retired Comptroller Joseph Attah, advised the newly inducted officers to uphold truth, accuracy and professionalism while embracing continuous learning to enhance effective crisis communication and stakeholder engagement.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, attributed the milestone to the visionary leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi and the contributions of former Customs spokespersons who laid the foundation for the unit’s growth.
The induction of the 70 officers reinforces the Nigeria Customs Service’s reform agenda, reflecting its determination to institutionalise excellence in strategic communication while building a highly skilled and professionally certified Public Relations workforce.
