Customs Seeks Better Public Communication to Support Reforms, Trade
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it is placing greater attention on strategic communication as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence, improve compliance with customs regulations and make trade easier for businesses across the country.
The position was made known at a conference in Port Harcourt where officers and men of the Service gathered to discuss how effective communication can support ongoing reforms and improve engagement with stakeholders in the trading community.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said communication should become an integral part of Customs operations rather than being treated as an afterthought.
According to him, every reform introduced by the Service stands a better chance of succeeding when those affected clearly understand its purpose and benefits.
“Communication must be integrated into operations,” Maiwada said. “Effective communication strengthens public trust, improves compliance, and supports the successful implementation of reforms.”
He said the Customs Service is working towards a communication culture that supports transparency, builds confidence among stakeholders and helps achieve the objectives of its reform agenda.
The conference also examined how public relations can move beyond its traditional role of media engagement to become a strategic tool for institutional development.
Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged communication professionals within the Service to adopt modern approaches that encourage innovation, long-term planning and stronger corporate communication.
He advised participants to “move beyond traditional PR and embrace strategic corporate communication as an engine for organisational transformation.”
Also speaking, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt said trust remains the foundation of successful relationships between public institutions and the people they serve.
He encouraged Customs officers to maintain consistent messages and engage stakeholders in ways that promote understanding and cooperation.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships. Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” Dike said, adding that communication centred on people would help reforms achieve lasting results.
Participants also discussed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which is designed to make international trade faster and more efficient for businesses that meet approved standards.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali said the success of the programme would depend largely on continuous communication and collaboration among players across the international supply chain.
“The success of the AEO programme largely depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain,” he said.
The conference featured a panel session moderated by Parry Benson, during which communication professionals and senior Customs officers examined the challenges of managing public communication in a complex operational environment.
Panelists, including CSC Abdullahi Husseini, CSC Oscar Ivara, CSC Emmanuel Tangwa, SC Magaji Dikko and SC Juliana Tomo, shared experiences on ensuring that public messaging reflects operational realities while responding effectively to stakeholders’ expectations.
Speaking from the perspective of trade reforms, the General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, said public relations practitioners must earn public confidence through honest, consistent and responsive communication.
“PR practitioners must become trusted sources by communicating clearly, listening to stakeholder feedback, and maintaining consistency in public engagement,” he said.
The first day of the conference ended with participants expressing support for making strategic communication a key part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reforms, with the aim of strengthening stakeholder confidence, improving compliance with customs procedures and promoting easier trade across the country.
