By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step towards strengthening its strategic communication capacity with the induction of 70 Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marking the Service’s first mass induction into the professional body since 2013.
The induction ceremony, held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, underscored the Service’s determination to professionalise its communication workforce and equip officers with the skills required to effectively project its reforms, operations and institutional achievements.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication architecture, noting that the successes recorded by the Customs Service were products of deliberate reforms that must be communicated professionally, credibly and responsibly.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service’s recognition as the best performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business was a reflection of sustained institutional reforms and emphasised the need for trained communication professionals to effectively showcase the Service’s achievements.
Adeniyi further stated 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.
He charged the newly inducted officers to be prepared to respond swiftly and professionally to false narratives capable of undermining the Service’s image.
“Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to use your communication with clarity and the necessary measures so rumours can be addressed swiftly and decisively,” the Comptroller General said.
He also disclosed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, describing the programme as a legacy project whose impact should continue to be amplified through ethical and strategic communication.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for demonstrating commitment to professionalism by investing in the certification and development of its Public Relations officers.
He noted that under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, the Service 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 Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, retired Comptroller of Customs and former National Public Relations Officer, 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 in his welcome address, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, attributed the milestone to the visionary leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs and the contributions of former spokespersons of the Service who laid the foundation for the growth of the Public Relations Unit.
The ceremony marked the first mass induction of Public Relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations since 2013, with 70 officers formally admitted into the professional body.
