By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to foster greater public engagement and promote a deeper understanding of its strategic role in global trade and border governance, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently hosted students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) at its national headquarters in Abuja.
The educational excursion, facilitated by the Public Relations Unit of the Service, offered the students a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the structure, operations, and international responsibilities of the NCS. The engagement formed part of the Service’s broader commitment to bridging the gap between government institutions and the academic community.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the students warmly and led an informative session on the statutory mandates of the NCS, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
Maiwada emphasized the value of such academic-industry collaborations in shaping future leaders and advancing informed public discourse. “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to promoting knowledge sharing and building public trust,” he stated. “Engaging with students of international relations is vital because the future of Customs and global trade lies in the strength of informed partnerships and cross-sector understanding.”
He also shed light on the Service’s alignment with international best practices, particularly through its ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Maiwada stressed the importance of Customs-to-Customs cooperation, inter-agency synergy, and the Service’s expanding role in international diplomacy and trade governance.
A key highlight of the visit was an engaging question-and-answer session, during which the students explored the intersections between international relations and Customs operations. The interactive discourse touched on Nigeria’s implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a key trade facilitation initiative aimed at strengthening security and compliance within the global supply chain.
To deepen the educational experience, the Deputy National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali, led the students on a guided tour of critical departments and units within the NCS Headquarters. The tour featured demonstrations of the cutting-edge digital platforms and technologies deployed by the Service to enhance operational efficiency, improve transparency, and foster seamless cross-border cooperation.
The excursion concluded with a renewed sense of appreciation among the students for the pivotal role Customs plays in national development and global trade, as well as its relevance to the evolving field of international relations.
