Nigeria Customs Inducts 70 Public Relations Officers into NIPR to Strengthen Strategic Communication

 Nigeria Customs Inducts 70 Public Relations Officers into NIPR to Strengthen Strategic Communication

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step towards strengthening its strategic communication capacity with the induction of 70 Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marking the Service's first mass induction into the professional body since 2013.

The induction ceremony, held on Monday at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, underscores the Service's commitment to professionalising its Public Relations workforce and equipping officers with the skills required to effectively communicate its reforms, operations and institutional achievements.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service's communication architecture.

According to him, the transformation of the NCS, including its emergence as one of the best-performing government agencies in promoting ease of doing business, is the result of deliberate reforms that require competent communication professionals to project the Service's achievements with credibility, clarity and purpose.

Adeniyi noted that as the Service continues its transition to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations practitioners must remain proactive in combating misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders' confidence.

He charged the newly inducted officers to respond promptly and professionally to false narratives.

"Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to use your communication with clarity and the necessary measures so rumours can be addressed swiftly and decisively," he said.

The Customs boss also disclosed that the Service's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. He described the programme as a legacy project whose impact should continue to be amplified through ethical and strategic communication.

In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for investing in the professional development of its communication personnel.

He said the Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi, has transformed into a respected national institution known for its reforms, corporate excellence and increasing influence within the global Customs community.

"You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian," Neliaku stated.

Also speaking, former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, retired Comptroller Joseph Attah, urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the profession by ensuring truthfulness, accuracy and responsibility in their communication.

He also encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR programmes, noting that effective crisis communication requires composure, empathy and strategic thinking.

Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, attributed the milestone to the commitment of Comptroller-General Adeniyi and the contributions of former Customs spokespersons who laid the foundation for the growth of the Public Relations Unit.

The induction of the 70 officers is expected to further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service's ongoing reform agenda and reinforce its commitment to institutional excellence through professional and strategic communication.