By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says strategic communication is key to building public trust, improving compliance and driving successful trade reforms.
A statement on Satueday by the Service says the declaration was made at the opening of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement quotes the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller, Abdullahi Maiwada, as saying communication must be embedded in Customs operations and not treated as an afterthought.
He said the Service must explain its reforms in ways Nigerians can easily understand.
“We need to humanise reforms and showcase success stories to demonstrate their impact on the everyday citizen, while aligning operational achievement with strategic communication,” Maiwada said.
He added that effective communication strengthens public trust, improves compliance and supports the successful implementation of reforms.
Delivering the first technical session, Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged Customs officers to move beyond traditional public relations by embracing strategic planning, innovation and corporate communication.
Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, saying trust and consistency are essential to lasting reforms.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships. Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” Dike said.
Speaking on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Titus Omajali said effective communication is critical to improving compliance and facilitating trade.
“The success of the AEO programme largely depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain,” he said.
The conference also featured a panel discussion on managing communication in complex operational environments, with senior Customs officers sharing practical experiences.
General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, urged public relations practitioners to communicate clearly, listen to stakeholder feedback and become trusted sources of information.
The conference ends with renewed commitment by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen strategic communication as a tool for delivering reforms, building stakeholder confidence and improving service delivery.
