Customs Unveils Strategic Communication Framework to Deepen Trust, Trade Facilitation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic communication as a key driver of institutional reforms, public trust and trade facilitation.
The commitment was made during a strategic communication conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where officers and personnel of the Service gathered to develop a communication framework aimed at enhancing public engagement and supporting the successful implementation of Customs reforms.
Opening the conference, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed that communication should be integrated into operational activities rather than treated as an afterthought.
He said effective communication enhances public confidence, promotes voluntary compliance and ensures that the impact of Customs reforms is better understood by stakeholders and the public.
“We need to humanise reforms and showcase success stories to demonstrate their impact on the everyday citizen, while aligning operational achievement with strategic communication,” Maiwada said.
In the first technical session, the Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, Jossy Nkwocha, urged public relations practitioners to move beyond conventional approaches by embracing strategic planning, innovation and corporate communication as essential tools for institutional growth and reputation management.
Delivering the second technical session, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving successful organisational transformation.
Read Also:
He described trust, consistency and people-centred communication as critical pillars for achieving sustainable reforms.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships. Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” Dike said.
Speaking on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Titus Omajali highlighted the central role of effective communication in the success of the initiative.
He called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and stakeholders across the international supply chain to improve compliance, facilitate legitimate trade and enhance the programme’s effectiveness.
“The success of the AEO programme largely depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain,” he said.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Parry Benson, with Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Husseini, Chief Superintendent Oscar Ivara, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Tangwa, Superintendent Magaji Dikko and Superintendent Juliana Tomo sharing practical experiences on managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, Bamidele Chinedu, encouraged public relations professionals to become trusted sources of information by communicating clearly, listening to stakeholder feedback and maintaining consistency in public engagement.
The conference concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, describing effective communication as a critical enabler of institutional reforms, stakeholder confidence, trade facilitation and organisational success.
By PRNigeria
