The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media to promote public awareness, transparency and national development.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists from the Northwest in Kano on Monday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, described the media as an important partner in promoting accountability, public enlightenment and constructive national discourse.
Maiwada said effective communication and strategic partnership with journalists were crucial to the success of customs operations and efficient public service delivery across the country.
He explained that the engagement was organised to improve journalists’ understanding of customs operations, trade facilitation tools and fiscal policies.
According to him, earlier training sessions held in Abuja revealed gaps in the understanding of customs terminologies among journalists, making continuous capacity building necessary.
He noted that the initiative would equip journalists with the required knowledge to accurately inform the public and effectively monitor the activities of the Service.
“The media plays a key role in nation-building through public enlightenment, promotion of accountability and constructive dialogue,” he said.
Maiwada also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Service, particularly in trade modernisation and information technology development aimed at improving operational efficiency.
He disclosed that journalists would be taken on guided tours to observe technological innovations being introduced by the Service in line with international best practices.
He added that the reforms were designed to strengthen accountability, improve transparency and boost public confidence in customs administration.
The spokesperson stressed the importance of stakeholders’ awareness and understanding in the successful implementation of customs policies and trade facilitation measures.
Maiwada further stated that the media had a major role in tackling misinformation and promoting national economic and security interests through accurate reportage.
He also announced plans to establish a dedicated media platform for Northern Nigeria to improve communication and strengthen professional ties with journalists in the region.
Maiwada commended media practitioners for supporting the activities of the Service, including contributions to Hausa-language programmes and other regional media platforms.
In his remarks, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Usman Umar, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the media for effective information dissemination.
Umar praised Maiwada for initiating the engagement and urged journalists to uphold professionalism and balanced reporting.
He said stronger cooperation between the media and the Nigeria Customs Service would significantly contribute to national growth, trade facilitation and security.
