By George OZALLA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently played host to students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), for an educational excursion to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The visit provided the students with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the operations, structure, and strategic functions of the NCS within the context of international trade and border management.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer, welcomed the students and delivered an informative session on the Service’s statutory responsibilities, including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation. He emphasized the significance of such engagements in building bridges between institutions and the next generation of leaders.
Maiwada highlighted the NCS’s commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and public trust, noting that engaging with students of international relations is vital for the future of customs and global trade. He also elaborated on the NCS’s strategic alignment with global customs standards through its collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
The students participated in an interactive question-and-answer session, exploring the practical applications of international relations in customs operations. They also learned about Nigeria’s implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a flagship trade facilitation initiative that enhances compliance and security in the supply chain.
A guided tour of critical departments and units within the Customs Headquarters further enriched the students’ experience, featuring demonstrations of modern digital platforms and tools deployed by the Service to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and cross-border cooperation.
