In a move to champion a new communication strategy for the Service, public relations officers and personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gathered in Port Harcourt on July 22, 2026.
The National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the lead presenter, opened the conference by stressing that communication must be integrated into operations rather than treated as an afterthought.
DC Maiwada noted that effective communication strengthens public trust, improves compliance, and supports the successful implementation of reforms.
“We need to humanise reforms and showcase success stories to demonstrate their impact on the everyday citizen, while aligning operational achievement with strategic communication,” he said.
In the first technical session, the Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged participants to move beyond traditional public relations by embracing strategic planning, innovation, and corporate communication as essential tools for institutional growth.
Delivering the second technical session, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt highlighted the role of stakeholder engagement in successful organisational transformation.
Dike argued that trust, consistency, and people-centred communication are critical to achieving lasting reforms.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships. Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” he said.
Focusing on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Titus Omajali emphasised that effective communication remains central to the programme’s success, calling for stronger engagement between Customs and stakeholders to improve compliance and trade facilitation.
“The success of the AEO programme largely depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain,” CSC Omajali stated.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Parry Benson, with CSC Abdullahi Husseini, CSC Oscar Ivara, CSC Emmanuel Tangwa, SC Magaji Dikko, and SC Juliana Tomo sharing practical insights on managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
Adding a practical perspective, the General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, encouraged public relations practitioners to become trusted sources of information by communicating clearly, listening to stakeholder feedback, and maintaining consistency in public engagement.
The first day of the conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing the message that effective communication is no longer just about managing reputation; it is a critical driver of reforms, stakeholder confidence, and institutional success.
