By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed it’s commitment to maintain strategic collaboration with journalists as part of efforts to strengthen public trust, improve communication on its reforms and ensure Nigerians receive accurate information about the Service’s role in trade facilitation, border security, suppression of smuggling and national economic development. The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, during a strategic media parley organised to herald the opening of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’, Ag. Assistant Comptroller-General Pascal Chibuoke opened the parley on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. 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.”
Representing the Comptroller-General, Ag. ACG Chibuoke who welcomed the participants from across the South-East and South-South Zones, urged them to use the conference to make good use of the 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.”On her part, the Customs Area Controller of Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, described this year’s theme, “Realigning Corporate Communication as a Strategic Driver of Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust” as both timely and relevant. She commended the Comptroller-General for sustaining a communication culture that has opened the Service to greater public engagement while praising the National Public Relations Officer for building on that foundation.Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, said bringing the conference to 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, applauded the Customs Service for maintaining an open relationship with the media, saying transparency remains the7 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.”
