The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with media organisations across Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance public awareness, improve trade communication, and promote national development.
Speaking during a media engagement programme (Media Parley) in Kano, themed; Building Synergy between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders Awareness and National Development, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the Customs Service recognises the media as a strategic partner in nation-building and institutional accountability.
Maiwada, conveyed the appreciation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to journalists for their continued support and commitment to the Service.
According to him, the Customs Service decided to expand its engagement beyond maritime journalists in Lagos and Port Harcourt to include journalists from the North-West and North-East regions in order to deepen understanding of customs operations and reforms.
He disclosed that the Service recently organised training sessions for journalists covering customs and business beats in Abuja after discovering significant knowledge gaps in areas such as Advance Ruling, HS Codes, classification systems, and Import Adjustment Tax.
“The customs beat is highly technical, and we believe journalists must first understand our operations before effectively informing the public,” he said, adding that the Service intends to transform such engagements into structured training programmes for media practitioners.
Aliyu further explained that the Service had taken journalists on tours of its data centres and project management offices to expose them to ongoing technological reforms and digital transformation initiatives within the Nigeria Customs Service.
He noted that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Service has intensified reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing accountability, and building a technology-driven and people-oriented customs administration in line with global best practices.
He commended the long-standing relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and several Northern-based media organisations, stressing that the Service remains committed to expanding its partnership with media organisations despite financial limitations.
On his part, the Acting Area Controller of Customs, Usman Adamu applauded the Media for their continued support while assuring a open door policy at all times.