From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media as a strategic partner in promoting stakeholder awareness, public trust, and national development.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja, noting that the call for deeper partnership was the focus of a media parley held on Monday, 25 May 2026, at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command Headquarters, Abdullahi Dikko Inde Conference Hall, Bompai, Kano.
The event, organised by the National Public Relations Unit and themed “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development,” brought together senior Customs officers, journalists, and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
Speaking at the parley, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as a critical partner in nation-building and public enlightenment.
“The media serves as a vital bridge through which government policies, customs procedures, trade regulations, and enforcement activities are communicated to stakeholders and the general public,” he said.
DC Maiwada stated that under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has intensified reforms in trade modernisation, digital transformation, intelligence-driven enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and institutional transparency.
According to him, these reforms are aimed at building a more responsive, accountable, technology-driven, and people-oriented customs administration capable of supporting national economic growth.
He urged journalists to sustain professionalism, fairness, and responsible reportage, noting that accurate and timely media coverage is essential as customs operations continue to evolve.
“We value this relationship and will continue to work closely with journalists to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of Customs activities,” he added, stressing efforts to counter misinformation through stronger collaboration with credible media organisations and multilingual communication strategies.
In a goodwill message, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, described the engagement as timely and essential for strengthening institutional communication and public trust.
He said the partnership between customs and the media remains indispensable in achieving effective revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security objectives.
Also speaking, Mustapha Muhammad, Vice Chairman of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended the NCS for organising the engagement, describing the media and Customs as “two sides of the same coin.”
He reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, and responsible reporting, while praising the Kano/Jigawa Area Command for maintaining cordial relations with media practitioners.
The parley featured an interactive session where journalists engaged customs officials on operational procedures, trade facilitation processes, enforcement activities, and stakeholder concerns.
Participants emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue, trust, and professionalism in fostering a productive partnership between the media and the Nigeria Customs Service.