By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with journalists to build public trust, improve communication on its reforms and ensure Nigerians receive accurate information on its trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling and economic development responsibilities.
The pledge was made on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a strategic media parley held ahead of 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 (ACG) Pascal Chibuoke, declared the parley open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Representing the Comptroller-General, Acting ACG Chibuoke welcomed participants from the South-East and South-South zones and urged them to take full advantage of the conference sessions.
He said the Service remained committed to leveraging effective communication to strengthen public confidence in its operations and deepen citizens’ understanding of its statutory responsibilities.
“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 opening remarks, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described journalists as indispensable partners in nation-building, stressing that effective communication remains central to the success of the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him, the reforms and innovations being implemented by the Service require public understanding and support to achieve their intended objectives.
“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, considering the evolving communication landscape and the Service’s reform agenda.
She commended the Comptroller-General for sustaining a communication culture that has strengthened public engagement and also praised the National Public Relations Officer for consolidating those achievements through strategic communication initiatives.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s recognition of the South-South’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the conference provided an avenue for the Service to showcase its achievements, explain its policies and programmes, address misconceptions and strengthen engagement with critical stakeholders.
“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 maintaining a transparent and open relationship with the media.
He described transparency as the foundation of public confidence and assured the Service of the media’s continued support in ensuring accurate, timely 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 2026 Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) Public Relations Conference is expected to bring together public relations officers, communication experts and media practitioners from across the country to explore strategies for enhancing corporate communication, promoting institutional effectiveness and strengthening public trust in the Service.
