By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, as part of efforts aimed at facilitating National Economic growth organised a one-day training workshop for maritime journalists on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Speaking at the training session, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the initiative comes at a critical period when the Service is implementing deliberate reforms to strengthen compliance, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and embrace modernisation in line with global best practices.Comptr. Frank stated that the training clearly shows the importance of strategic engagement with the media in advancing national development objectives.“The significance of this workshop cannot be overstated. It is designed to deepen stakeholder partnership, promote inclusivity, and encourage knowledge sharing between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media”, Onyeka said.“An informed press is a powerful ally. Through platforms like this, we aim to foster mutual understanding, build trust, and reinforce a shared commitment to transparency and professionalism”, he continued.
CAC Frank Onyeka also explained that the workshop was structured to equip maritime journalists with a deeper understanding of Customs operations, bridge existing knowledge gaps, dispel misconceptions, and provide a platform for constructive engagement among key stakeholders.The CAC appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his exemplary leadership, which he said has strengthened partnerships among the media, private sector operators, sister agencies, and the general public, pointing out that effective service delivery thrives on collective effort and shared responsibility.In his remarks, the training coordinator, Innocent Orok, stated that the Service has demonstrated a shared commitment by upgrading and injecting fresh knowledge on journalists to further enhance proper reportage.”You all have been selected based on your capacity to add value by informing, educating and entertaining with the right and accurate information. At the end of the workshop, I am sure you will be equipped with enough knowledge and gadget which would help facilitate work effectiveness”, he said. Mr. Orok said the first batch of the training workshop, organised by the same Command under the leadership of the then Comptroller, now Deputy Comptroller-General, Dera Nnadi, was held on 1 November 2024 at the Apapa Command Auditorium, explaining that the second batch was organised to accommodate journalists who could not participate in the initial session.
