Customs Seeks Closer Media Ties as Port Harcourt PR Summit Opens

By Saheed Olatunji, Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wants to work closer with journalists. This partnership will build public trust, explain new reforms, and give Nigerians correct news about trade, border safety, anti-smuggling, and the economy.

Acting Assistant Comptroller-General Pascal Chibuoke, Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘C’, opened the media parley on behalf of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi ahead of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Representing the Comptroller-General, Acting ACG Chibuoke welcomed participants from the South-East and South-South zones. He urged them to make the most of the conference sessions, stating, “Let us continue to project the positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective communication and a 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,” he said.