The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed the importance of strategic communication in driving institutional reforms, enhancing public trust, and improving trade facilitation as officers and men of the Service commenced a conference in Port Harcourt focused on advancing corporate communication.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said communication must be embedded in Customs operations rather than treated as an afterthought. He noted that effective communication plays a vital role in building public confidence, encouraging voluntary compliance, and supporting the successful implementation of reforms.
Maiwada stressed the need for the Service to humanise its reform initiatives and highlight success stories that demonstrate their impact on ordinary citizens while ensuring operational achievements are effectively aligned with strategic communication.
The conference featured technical sessions delivered by communication and reputation management experts who examined the role of strategic communication in organisational growth and institutional transformation.
Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged participants to move beyond conventional public relations by embracing strategic planning, innovation, and corporate communication as essential tools for institutional development.
Also speaking, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in sustaining organisational reforms. He described trust, consistency, and people-centred communication as indispensable elements of successful institutional transformation, noting that an organisation’s reputation ultimately defines its legacy.
Discussions also focused on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali underscoring the need for stronger communication and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and stakeholders across the international supply chain to improve compliance and facilitate trade.
Participants also shared practical experiences during a panel session moderated by Parry Benson. Panelists, including Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Husseini, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, Superintendent of Customs Magaji Dikko, and Superintendent of Customs Juliana Tomo, examined effective approaches to managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, encouraged public relations practitioners to position themselves as credible sources of information through clear messaging, consistent engagement, and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback.
The first day of the conference concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, recognising effective communication as a critical enabler of reforms, stronger stakeholder confidence, and improved institutional performance.
