By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing as part of efforts to enhance national security and improve public confidence in government institutions.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon, to the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The visit, which formed part of Okokon’s familiarisation tour following his appointment as Force Public Relations Officer, provided an opportunity for both agencies to reinforce their longstanding relationship and explore new areas of cooperation in public communication.
Speaking during the meeting, Maiwada described the partnership as a reflection of the shared responsibility of both institutions in building public trust, strengthening stakeholder confidence and effectively communicating government policies.
He noted that closer collaboration between the Public Relations Units of the two agencies would contribute significantly to stronger institutions and more effective public service delivery.
“The NCS values its longstanding relationship with the NPF. Today’s engagement presents another opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration between our Public Relations Units and collectively contribute towards building stronger institutions through effective communication and stakeholder engagement,” Maiwada said.
He also commended the Nigeria Police Force for fostering partnerships among public sector communication professionals, stressing that strategic communication remains a vital tool for effective governance.
In his remarks, CSP Okokon reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to sustaining productive partnerships with sister security agencies, particularly in promoting transparency, professionalism and public confidence.
He said effective communication has become indispensable in modern security administration and requires stronger collaboration among public institutions.
“This visit is aimed at further strengthening the cordial relationship between the NPF and the NCS, while enhancing collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement, and information sharing,” he said.
The engagement also coincided with the induction of 70 officers and personnel of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a development both agencies described as a significant step toward promoting professionalism, ethical communication and excellence in public sector information management.
