Media Critical To Accountability, National Development — Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has described the media as a strategic partner in promoting accountability, public enlightenment and national development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between journalists and the service.

This was stated during a parley organised for journalists from Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Katsina States with the theme, “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development.”

At the event in Kano, the national public relations officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said effective communication and strategic collaboration remain essential for institutional growth and national development.

Maiwada noted that the service recognises the media not merely as observers of government activities, but as partners in nation-building through informing citizens, promoting accountability, and facilitating constructive dialogue between public institutions and the people.

According to him, the media’s role has become more critical given the NCS’s strategic responsibilities in revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security, and economic growth.

He said the engagement was organised to strengthen professional relationships between customs and journalists, improve stakeholders’ understanding of customs operations and enhance accurate dissemination of information.

The customs spokesman further disclosed that the service would intensify capacity-building for journalists covering customs and trade-related matters to deepen their understanding of customs procedures and terminology.

He added that the NCS had continued to implement reforms to modernise customs administration through technology-driven initiatives and improved stakeholder engagement.

Earlier, the Acting Controller of Customs, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Usman Adamu, commended the Customs National Public Relations Office for initiating the media engagement, describing it as timely and significant.

Adamu said the media occupies a central position in democratic societies as custodians of information and key drivers of public enlightenment.

He assured journalists of the command’s commitment to openness, professionalism and constructive engagement in promoting national development and security.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, described the relationship between customs and the media as mutually beneficial, noting that stronger collaboration would enhance public trust and improve service delivery.