By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged as the Best Corporate Spokesperson Team at the 5th National Spokespersons Awards 2025, held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Abuja Continental Hotel.
The award ceremony, which followed a two-day Nigeria Spokespersons Summit, brought together past and present Ministers of Information, including Frank Nweke Jr., Lai Mohammed, Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was also in attendance.
The summit featured a series of high-level discussions led by notable speakers such as former Ogun State Governor and media veteran, Chief Segun Osoba; Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele; Founder of the Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Prof. Tonnie Iredia; Managing Director of NECCI Consult, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Editor-in-Chief of 21st Century Chronicle, Mallam Mahmud Jega; and Chairman/CEO of TPT International, Chief Adetokunboh Modupe.
The award ceremony commenced at 7:40 p.m. with a red carpet reception, cocktails, and networking session, followed by formal proceedings celebrating excellence in public communication.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, stating that the honour reflects the collective efforts and professionalism of the entire Customs communication team.
“This award is not about one person—it represents the dedication and synergy of our entire public relations team. We have built a culture of collaboration and strategic engagement, focused on transparency, reputation management, and stakeholder communication,” he said.
Maiwada further noted that the latest recognition builds on the Service’s previous success at the 2024 edition of the awards.
“Winning again this year confirms that we are consistently raising the bar. We are committed to fostering trust and credibility through accurate and impactful public engagement,” he added.
The Nigeria Customs Service was recognised alongside other leading institutions, reaffirming the vital role of institutional communication and public relations in the public sector.
Themed “Voice of Influence, Champions of Change”, the event was hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and featured addresses by the Institute’s President and Chairman of Governing Council, Ike Neliaku, and Honourable Joshua Audi Gana, among other dignitaries.
As the curtains drew on a night of recognition and celebration, the Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to excellence in public service communication and the building of sustainable relationships with stakeholders.
