A renowned Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategist and Digital Consultant, Dr. Celestine Achi, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its visionary and forward-thinking approach to public relations.
Dr. Achi gave the commendation during a visit to the NCS headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The digital consultant, who is the author of “AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence”, was received by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, along with officers from the Public Relations Unit.
Speaking on behalf of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Maiwada expressed gratitude for the visit and the presentation of the book, describing it as a valuable addition to the Service’s knowledge resources.
“The Nigeria Customs Service believes that storytelling backed by data and powered by modern technology is a strategic tool for deepening public trust. We are committed to adopting innovations that enhance the effectiveness and integrity of our communication systems,” Maiwada stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Achi praised the Service’s communication infrastructure and applauded the NCS for setting a pace worthy of emulation in the public sector.
“I was deeply impressed by the intentionality, professionalism, and forward-thinking excellence that you and your team bring to public relations within government administration.
“The converged media facility and PR sentiments I experienced are exceptional, and this is not common in this digital age,” he said.
Achi noted that the Service has achieved a sentiment score of 85% in its public relations efforts.
He also unveiled the NCS Live PR Attribution Dashboard – a custom-built analytics tool that tracks and visualises the media performance of the Service’s communications since Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi assumed office in 2023.
“This dashboard is a first-of-its-kind innovation in public communication strategy. It shows how Customs is not just participating in digital transformation but actively shaping it,” he remarked.
The visit provided a platform for high-level engagement on the role of AI in modern public relations, highlighting a shared commitment to innovation, data-driven communication, and institutional transparency.
It also reinforced the Service’s commitment to collaborative learning, strategic innovation, and digital leadership in government communication.
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