NIPR Lauds Customs’ Reputation Reforms, Announces Annual PR Officer Award
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Tuesday commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for institutionalizing reputation management and taking a bold step toward enhancing its public image, as it unveiled its new Reputation Management Handbook.
Representing the NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, at the event, the Institute’s Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, in Abuja, described the launch of the handbook as a landmark move that demonstrates Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and ethical standards.
He noted that the NCS has shown significant progress in strengthening its image, not just through enforcement and revenue generation, but by deliberately prioritizing institutional credibility and stakeholder engagement.
“The Nigerian Customs Service has become a reference point for how public institutions can use reputation as a strategic asset. By launching this handbook, you are not just reacting to public perception—you are proactively shaping it. That is leadership,” Prof. Dandaura stated.
As part of efforts to further encourage professionalism within the Service, the NIPR also announced the introduction of an Annual Public Relations Officer of the Year Award for the Nigeria Customs Service. The award, which comes with a cash prize and national recognition, will honour the most outstanding Customs PRO in terms of ethical conduct, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement.
The award, Dandaura explained, is also a tribute to one of the Service’s iconic image-makers, Alex Akinyemi, and aims to inspire a new generation of communicators to raise the bar in public service messaging and reputation building.
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“We have introduced this annual prize starting this year, and we encourage the Customs Public Relations Unit to work with us on the assessment template. This initiative will help raise internal standards while reinforcing the Service’s credibility in the eyes of Nigerians,” he said.
In his keynote remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the handbook as a practical tool that will guide officers in upholding the Service’s core values and maintaining professional integrity in their daily engagements.
“This document is a symbol of our readiness to go beyond revenue and enforcement. It reflects our belief that the conduct of our officers and the image we project are vital to national development,” Adeniyi said.
He emphasized that the NCS is embracing its role as a key player in Nigeria’s reputation architecture and pledged to continue supporting the NIPR’s national rebranding campaign.
CG Adeniyi, who also serves as Vice-Chairman for the NIPR’s Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG), expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending his tenure, affirming that the recognition places more responsibility on him and the Service to deliver a transformational impact.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, NIPR members, and stakeholders in the communications and public service space.
PRNigeria reports that with the launch of the handbook and the establishment of the PRO award, the Nigeria Customs Service has signaled its intention to become not only a revenue and enforcement agency but a model of institutional excellence in reputation and stakeholder relations.
By PRNigeria
