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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step towards strengthening its strategic communication capacity following the induction of 70 Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi MFR, described the induction as a strategic investment in the Service’s communication architecture, stressing that Customs’ ongoing reforms require highly skilled professionals to effectively communicate its achievements.
He noted that the Service’s recognition as Nigeria’s best-performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business resulted from deliberate reforms that must be projected with credibility and professionalism.
As the Service embraces technology-driven Customs administration, Adeniyi urged the newly inducted officers to proactively combat misinformation, shape public perception and sustain public confidence.
“Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to communicate with clarity and ensure misinformation is addressed swiftly and decisively,” he charged.
The Customs boss 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 programme that deserves sustained visibility through ethical and strategic communication.
Meanwhile, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in certified communication practitioners.
According to him, the Service has emerged as a respected national institution under Adeniyi’s leadership, driven by reforms, corporate excellence and increasing global recognition.
Former National Public Relations Officer of Customs, retired Comptroller Joseph Attah, urged the officers to uphold the ethics of the profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication while embracing continuous professional development and effective crisis communication.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu Maiwada, credited the achievement to the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General and the contributions of former Service spokespersons who laid the foundation for the Public Relations Unit.
The induction of the 70 officers represents another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s reform agenda, reinforcing its commitment to institutional excellence, strategic communication and stakeholder confidence.
