The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a strategic communication framework aimed at strengthening public trust, improving stakeholder engagement, and supporting trade facilitation as part of its ongoing reform agenda.
The initiative was highlighted at a strategic communication conference held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, where officers and personnel of the Service gathered to develop more effective approaches to communicating Customs reforms and operational achievements.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasised the need to integrate communication into the Service’s core operations rather than treating it as an afterthought.
He said effective communication enhances public confidence, promotes voluntary compliance, and contributes to the successful implementation of reforms.
According to him, the Service must “humanise reforms and showcase success stories to demonstrate their impact on the everyday citizen, while aligning operational achievement with strategic communication.”
The conference featured technical sessions delivered by communication and corporate governance experts. Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged Customs public relations officers to adopt strategic planning, innovation, and corporate communication practices to drive institutional growth beyond conventional public relations.
In another presentation, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in organisational transformation, describing trust as the foundation of enduring institutional success.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships. Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” Dike said.
Discussions also focused on the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. Chief Superintendent of Customs, Titus Omajali, stressed that effective communication and stronger collaboration with stakeholders are critical to the programme’s success and to enhancing trade facilitation.
He noted that the effectiveness of the AEO programme depends largely on sustained communication and cooperation across the international supply chain.
A panel discussion moderated by Parry Benson featured Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Husseini, Chief Superintendent Oscar Ivara, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Tangwa, Superintendent Magaji Dikko, and Superintendent Juliana Tomo, who shared practical experiences on managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, encouraged public relations practitioners within the Service to become trusted sources of information by communicating clearly, responding to stakeholder concerns, and maintaining consistency in public engagement.
The first day of the conference ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, with speakers stressing that effective communication has become a key driver of institutional reforms, stakeholder confidence, and improved trade facilitation.
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