Customs' PROs Gather In Rivers For 2026 PR Conference

Public relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) across the country have converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, for the 2026 PR Conference.

The theme of the conference, which began on Tuesday evening is “Realigning Corporate Communication as a Strategic Driver of Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust.”

Speaking at the media parley, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed the importance of corporate communication in effective operations of the Service.

Maiwada commended the media in shaping the reforms of the NCS, stating that the fourth estate of the realm serves as a bridge for implementation of government programmes and policies.

“This is an event that would mark yet another historic engagement under the auspices of the Public Relations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service.

“The media is responsible for informing members of the public to understand these reforms. As these reforms continue to unfold, they are needed for accurate, timely, and responsible dissemination of information.

“You serve as a bridge through which government policies, customs procedures, trade regulation, and enforcement activities are communicated to stakeholders and the general public. You can only achieve this through balanced reportage.

“The media body today, is carefully designed as an interactive platform to deepen collaboration, strengthen professionalism, also strengthen relationships between us, the Nigerian Customs Service, as well as you on this partnership.

“By being able to acknowledge and appreciate your vital contribution to protecting our activities, reforms, achievements, and human challenges, this is what makes us stand today.

“As we celebrate today, I encourage open dialogue, frank contributions, and constructive conversations that further consolidate the relationship between NCS and the media.

“Let us collectively explore innovative ways of promoting public awareness that will support economic growth, enhance border security and advance the broader national development objective of government.”

In his welcome remarks, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Emmanuel Tangwa, said the engagement provides an opportunity to share their achievements, clarify policies, address misconceptions, respond to legitimate concerns and reinforce the Service’s commitment to accountability.

He said, “It is both a privilege and an honour to stand before this distinguished gathering on behalf of the Public Relations Office at to warmly welcome you to the strategic media parley, a gathering that reflects the Nigerian Customs Service and its unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, stakeholder engagement and national development.

“Today, we are gathered not merely as practitioners of communication or partners in information dissemination, but as critical stakeholders in shaping the narrative of Nigeria’s economic security, tech facilitation, revenue generation and national development. This relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media remains indispensable in building public trust and promoting informed national discourse.

“The significance of this media parley lies in its ability to strengthen bridges between the Nigeria Customs Service and the public through open, honest and constructive dialogue. In an era where information travels at unprecedented speed, transparency is no longer optional, it is imperative.

“We can ensure the Nigerian people receive accurate balance and timely information about the activities of this Service. This gathering is particularly historic because it is the first Strategic media parley hosted by a National Public Relations Officer for the Southeast and South-South geopolitical zones of the country. Hosting this landmark event in Port Harbour is both symbolic and strategic.

“As one of Nigeria’s foremost maritime and commercial hubs, the South-South occupies a pivotal position in international trade, maritime security, national economic prosperity, bringing this important national conversation to the sea demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s recognition of the immense contribution of this region to the nation’s economic growth.”