Nigeria Customs Service Reboots PR Strategy, Partners with Academia to Combat Misinformation
In a strategic shift to fortify its public engagement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a major initiative to transform its public relations unit from a ceremonial arm into a core pillar of national security and trust-building. The move was marked by a high-level, week-long workshop for Customs PR officers held at Bayero University Kano (BUK), signaling a new era of proactive communication.
The workshop, a partnership between the NCS and BUK’s Faculty of Communication, centered on equipping officers with the skills to manage digital narratives, counter misinformation, and ethically engage with the public in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Setting the tone for the new direction, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, declared that effective communication must become the “backbone of the Service’s relationship with citizens.” Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomode, the CGC emphasized that the NCS’s role extends beyond revenue collection to actively projecting transparency and fostering public confidence.
The challenges of the digital age were a central focus. Renowned communication scholar, Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu, warned participants that in today’s world, “reputation can be shaped faster than any press release.” He urged government agencies to harness digital tools and artificial intelligence to proactively “anticipate, shape, and manage narratives in real time.”
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Echoing this sentiment, veteran PR strategist Yushau A. Shuaib delivered a compelling keynote, dissecting the evolving threats of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. “In today’s information ecosystem, the battle is no longer just about facts—it’s about trust,” Shuaib stated, highlighting how false narratives can impact national security and trade facilitation. He called on officers to become vigilant stewards of public confidence through data-driven storytelling and rapid response mechanisms.
The workshop was praised as a timely effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice. BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa described the partnership as “transformative,” asserting that strategic communication must be integral to public sector governance.
According to Chief Superintendent of Customs and national spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, the collaboration is mutually beneficial. “Academics gain access to real-world case studies, while our officers acquire evidence-based techniques to apply across the country,” Maiwada said.
He added that the success of the NCS’s modernization drive is inextricably linked to its ability to clearly communicate its vision and build trust with local communities.
Featuring interactive sessions, simulated press conferences, and case studies led by both academics and veteran practitioners, the workshop reinforced a key theme: in the digital era, every institutional action is a public statement. This landmark event marks a decisive pivot for the Nigeria Customs Service—from reactive messaging to strategic foresight in the age of information warfare.
