The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has underscored the critical role of the media in advancing its ongoing reforms, describing journalists as indispensable partners in promoting transparency, public understanding and institutional trust.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated this during the NCS Public Relations Officers Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Maiwada said effective communication remains central to the success of the Service’s reform agenda, stressing that the transformation initiatives being implemented by the Nigeria Customs Service cannot succeed without public understanding and confidence.
“The reforms and innovations we are driving in the Nigeria Customs Service cannot succeed in isolation without public understanding and trust,” he said.
Speaking at the conference, 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.
She commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for sustaining a communication culture that has strengthened public engagement and also praised the National Public Relations Officer for consolidating on that foundation.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt reflects the strategic importance of the South-South region to Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the gathering provided an opportunity for the Service to showcase its achievements, explain its policies and address public misconceptions.
“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 an open and transparent relationship with the media.
He said transparency remains the foundation of public confidence and pledged the continued support of journalists in ensuring accurate 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.