By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its strategic communication capacity following the induction of 70 of its Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The induction ceremony, held on Monday at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, marks the Service’s first mass induction into the professional body since 2013, underscoring its commitment to building a team of certified communication professionals capable of effectively promoting its reforms, operations and institutional achievements.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication framework.
He said the transformation of the Service, including its recognition as one of the best-performing government agencies in ease of doing business, was driven by deliberate reforms that require skilled communication professionals to tell the Customs story with credibility, clarity and professionalism.
Adeniyi noted that as the Service continues its transition to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations officers must remain proactive in combating misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence.
“Rumours will be heard and narratives will be pushed. You must be prepared to communicate with clarity and take the necessary steps to address misinformation swiftly and decisively,” he advised.
The Customs boss also disclosed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, describing it as a legacy project whose impact should continue to be amplified through ethical and strategic communication.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the NIPR Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in the certification of its communication personnel.
He said the Service, under Adeniyi’s leadership, has evolved into a respected national institution known for reforms, corporate excellence and growing influence within the global Customs community.
“You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Nigeria Customs Service. You should be proud of this as Nigerians,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, former National Public Relations Officer of the Service and retired Comptroller of Customs, Joseph Attah, urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the Public Relations profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication.
He encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR programmes, stressing that effective crisis communication requires composure, empathy and strategic thinking.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, said the milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of the Comptroller-General and the contributions of former Customs spokespersons who laid the foundation for the unit’s growth.
The induction of the 70 officers represents another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reform agenda and reinforces its commitment to institutionalising excellence and professionalism in strategic communication.
