The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP has deepened its engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service following a high-level courtesy visit to the Murtala Mohammed Area Command.
The delegation was received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, whose leadership at the strategic command has continued to draw commendation within maritime and aviation trade circles.
The visit marked CONMMEP’s first formal engagement with the Comptroller since his assumption of office and was described as both symbolic and strategic. Beyond routine protocol, discussions focused on institutionalising transparency, improving information flow and reinforcing public trust in customs operations.
Speaking during the visit, CONMMEP President, Udo Onyeka, reaffirmed the media’s dual responsibility to scrutinise governance while supporting reforms that strengthen public institutions. He commended Comptroller Otunla’s professional record and openness to constructive engagement.
According to Onyeka, effective public service delivery thrives on transparency. He emphasised that the association remains committed to balanced reportage—highlighting operational successes while constructively examining industry challenges to drive improvement.
As part of the engagement, the association presented the Comptroller with a formal letter of support and an award recognising his service record and collaborative disposition.
In his remarks, Comptroller Otunla described the visit as historic and encouraging, noting that recognition from industry-focused journalists carries particular significance. He reiterated the Command’s readiness to maintain open communication channels and provide accurate information reflecting the realities of customs operations.
He stressed that transparency enhances credibility and operational efficiency, especially at a command that oversees critical cargo and passenger movements through Nigeria’s busiest international gateway. The Murtala Mohammed Area Command plays a key role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement.
Both parties agreed to establish a more structured framework for regular briefings, joint sensitisation programmes and improved access to information. The collaboration is expected to deepen public awareness of customs procedures, compliance requirements and the broader economic impact of maritime and aviation trade operations.
The engagement underscores growing recognition that strategic collaboration between enforcement agencies and specialised media bodies can strengthen institutional integrity and advance national development objectives.
