By Ajibola Adedoye
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthened media relations, enhanced capacity building for journalists, and improved communication management, as stakeholders gathered for the 2025 Zone ‘A’ End-of-Year Media Parley held on Friday.
The parley, which brought together maritime journalists, public relations officers, and senior Customs officials, was convened at the instance of the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Abdullahi Maiwada, and marked a significant step toward institutionalizing regular dialogue between the Service and the media.
Speaking at the event, DC Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized that the Service’s priority is not merely sending journalists for trainings abroad, but ensuring that such engagements translate into meaningful impact in reportage and public understanding.
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According to him, effective reporting requires journalists to first understand the technical jargons, operations, and peculiarities of Customs work from a Nigerian perspective. He disclosed that journalist training would feature prominently in the NCS 2026 Strategic Plan, with structured trainings to be organized across different clusters nationwide.
“What matters is the impact of the training on what you are doing. If you are to inform the public, you must first understand the service,” Maiwada said.
He also highlighted the role of the Public Relations Department as one that observes, analyzes, and advises management, stressing that feedback from journalists would be taken seriously and channeled appropriately within the Service.
Maiwada further spoke on the need for emotional intelligence, professionalism, and humility among Customs officers, especially those interfacing with the media and the public. He noted that being in uniform is temporary, and officers must build lasting relationships through respect and effective communication.
He revealed that the Service is prioritizing training in media relations, emotional intelligence, and communication management, including the use of artificial intelligence tools, to better equip officers to engage constructively with journalists and stakeholders.
While acknowledging the demands placed on officers, Maiwada appealed for mutual understanding, noting that Customs officials are human and can sometimes be overwhelmed. He urged journalists to continue constructive engagement and assured them of sustained collaboration.
Earlier, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdullahi Lagos, described the parley as the first of its kind in Zone ‘A’, explaining that it was designed to go beyond routine reporting and create an in-house forum for honest dialogue between Customs and the media.
He praised the current Comptroller-General of Customs for promoting professionalism, standards, and openness, noting that every Public Relations Officer must understand and respect the media to effectively protect the Service’s image.
CSC Lagos assured journalists that their observations and complaints had been noted and pledged that the initiative would be improved upon in subsequent editions.
In his welcome address, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone ‘A’, CSC Akaniuyene Edeminam, described the media as indispensable partners in Customs’ mandate of public enlightenment and transparency.
He said the parley provided an opportunity to review the year, strengthen bonds, and prepare for a more productive 2026, adding that Customs remains committed to building a stronger, more efficient, and reliable trade system.
Goodwill messages from leaders of maritime media associations reflected broad appreciation for the reforms and openness of the NCS.
The President of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), Udo Onyeka, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the PR unit for being media-friendly and for driving reforms, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and stakeholder engagement in port communities.
Similarly, Ismail Aniemu, described the Customs PR unit as one of the most technologically advanced among public institutions, noting that its digital responsiveness made journalists’ work easier throughout 2025.
On her part, Vera Osoko, President of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), praised the professionalism of the Customs PR team, particularly in managing information flow and promptly addressing issues within media platforms.
The 2025 Zone ‘A’ End-of-Year Media Parley concluded on a note of optimism, with assurances from Customs leadership of deeper engagement, improved training opportunities, and stronger partnerships with the media in 2026.
Participants described the forum as timely, impactful, and a positive signal of the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to entrench transparency, professionalism, and mutual respect in its relationship with the press.
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