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Customs Pledges Stronger Media Partnership as PR Conference Opens in Port Harcourt

By Anne Ejuka


The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with journalists to build public trust, improve communication on its reforms and ensure Nigerians receive accurate information on its trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling and economic development responsibilities.


The pledge was made on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, during a strategic media parley held ahead of the opening of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General Pascal Chibuoke, declared the parley open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.



The Comptroller-General, who was represented by Acting ACG Chibuoke welcomed participants from the South-East and South-South zones and urged them to maximise the conference sessions, stating that, “Let us continue to project the positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective communication and stronger public understanding of our statutory responsibilities.”



In his opening remarks, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described journalists as indispensable partners in nation-building, saying effective communication remains central to the success of the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, adding, “The reforms and innovations we are driving in the Nigeria Customs Service cannot succeed in isolation without public understanding and trust.”



The Customs Area Controller of Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, described this year’s conference theme, “Realigning Corporate Communication as a Strategic Driver of Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust,” as timely and relevant.


She commended the Comptroller-General for sustaining a communication culture that has strengthened public engagement and praised the National Public Relations Officer for building on that foundation.



Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt reflected the Service’s recognition of the South-South’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy, adding, “This engagement is more than a meeting. It provides an opportunity to share our achievements, explain our policies, correct misconceptions.”



Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia, commended the Customs Service for maintaining an open relationship with the media, saying transparency remains the foundation of public confidence, highlighting that, “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.”


This is as received in a statement issured by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada PhD.

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