Customs Pledges to Prioritise Training for Journalists
Customs Pledges to Prioritise Training for Journalists
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to make impactful training for maritime journalists a top priority in its 2026 strategic plan, aiming to boost accurate and effective reporting of Customs activities. Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, made the commitment at a special media parley in Lagos on 19 December 2025.
The event, organised by the NCS Zone A Public Relations Unit, brought together veteran journalists, editors and reporters to strengthen collaboration between the Service and the media. Maiwada stressed that quality training – not foreign trips – would equip journalists with the technical know-how needed for accurate reporting. “If you report on Customs, you must first be well-informed,” he said.
Maiwada acknowledged gaps in the Service’s media relations and promised improved emotional intelligence training for officers to enhance stakeholder engagement. Zone A PRO, CSC Akaninyene Edeminam, hailed the gathering as a milestone in fostering stronger ties, while event coordinator CSC Abdullahi Lagos assured that journalist feedback would be addressed.
Giving his goodwill message, the President of Maritime journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, Comrade Jerry Agugbo, represented by the Financial Secretary of the Association, Mr Silas Onuoha, commended CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Customs reforms and his cordial relationship with maritime Journalists.
Soeaking further, he applauded DC Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs Image Maker and Public Relations Officers in Zone A for the media parley organised to appreciate maritime Journalists in Lagos.
He said, “This media parley is a welcome initiative, and we thank DC Maiwada and the entire PR team for honouring us.”
He said that in the coming year, 2026, the PR Unit and the Maritime media practitioners should work in synergy in information dissemination on activities of Nigeria Customs Service in promoting the growth of Nigerian Maritime industry.
Maritime journalists from NTA, MAJAN, MARCON, AMJON and CONMMEP commended the NCS for its transparency and media-friendly approach. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improved collaboration in 2026.
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