The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media as part of efforts to build public trust, enhance communication on its ongoing reforms, and ensure Nigerians receive accurate information on its statutory responsibilities in trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling, and economic development.
The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday during a strategic media parley held ahead of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event was declared open by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Pascal Chibuoke, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Welcoming journalists and public relations officers from the South-East and South-South zones, Acting ACG Chibuoke urged participants to make the most of the conference deliberations and continue to promote the positive image of the Service through effective communication.
“Let us continue to project the positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective communication and stronger public understanding of our statutory responsibilities,” he said.
In his remarks, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as indispensable partners in nation-building, stressing that public understanding and trust are critical to the success of the Service’s reform agenda.
“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 timely and relevant, noting that effective communication has become increasingly important in sustaining institutional credibility.
She commended the Comptroller-General for fostering a culture of transparency and strategic communication within the Service while applauding the National Public Relations Officer for consolidating those efforts through proactive public engagement.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt underscored the strategic importance of the South-South region to Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the conference provides an avenue to showcase the achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service, explain its policies, and address public misconceptions.
“This engagement is more than a meeting. It provides an opportunity to share our achievements, explain our policies, and correct misconceptions,” Tangwa said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for sustaining a transparent and cordial relationship with the media.
He noted that openness and accountability remain essential to building public confidence and pledged the continued support of journalists in ensuring timely, accurate, and responsible dissemination of information.
“Our responsibility is to communicate the truth and sustain public trust. As journalists in Rivers State, we will continue to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure information is disseminated accurately, promptly and responsibly,” Bazia said.
The strategic media parley marked the official prelude to the 2026 NCS Public Relations Conference, which brings together Customs public relations practitioners, media professionals, and key stakeholders to explore innovative communication strategies aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness and deepening public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service.
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