The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to strengthen its relationship with the media, as the Service called for stronger collaboration with journalists to support public sensitisation, national security and accurate reporting of Customs operations across the country.
The call was made during a Media Parley on Monday 25 May, 2026, at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command Headquarters in Bompai, organised by the National Public Relations Unit of the Service.
The engagement, themed “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development,” brought together journalists from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina States as part of renewed efforts to improve information sharing and public understanding of Customs activities.
Speaking during the parley, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, public confidence and national development.
DC Maiwada commended journalists for their continued support to the Service, noting that the media remains the vital bridge between Customs and the Nigerian public.
“The media plays a very critical role in helping Nigerians understand the responsibilities, reforms and operations of the Nigeria Customs Service. Without the media, many of the achievements and policies of the Service may never reach the people.” He said.
The National Public Relations Officer explained that the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to embrace technology-driven operations and digital reforms aimed at improving efficiency, trade facilitation and service delivery.
According to him, as Customs operations evolve, there is greater need for accurate, timely and responsible dissemination of information to the public.
He added that the Service had sustained working relationships with media organisations across the country, while also deploying multilingual communication strategies to ensure wider public reach and understanding.
DC Maiwada further stated that beyond revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities, the Service remains committed to building public trust through openness, stakeholder engagement and sustained public enlightenment.
He noted that fake narratives and misinformation around Customs operations could only be addressed through stronger collaboration between the Service and credible media organisations.
“We understand that Nigerians depend heavily on information released through the media. That is why we value this relationship and will continue to work closely with journalists to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of Customs activities.” He added.
The NPRO also urged journalists to sustain professionalism, fairness and responsible reportage in matters relating to national security, border management and trade facilitation.
In his remarks, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, described the engagement as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and media practitioners.
DC Adamu commended the National Public Relations Unit for organising the interaction, while appreciating journalists for their support to the Command and the Service generally.
He noted that the media remains an indispensable partner in keeping citizens informed about government activities and national economic policies.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, said the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration between the Service, the media and the general public through effective information dissemination.
“The engagement will help ensure that accurate information about Customs operations reaches Nigerians and improves public understanding of the Service and its responsibilities.” He stated.
The media parley was attended by journalists and media executives from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina States.
Customs Cements Media Collaboration, Hosts Journalists in Kano to Enhance Public Sensitisation Campaign
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