In a significant move to strengthen strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations workforce, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 70 Public Relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) .
This move marks the Service’s first mass induction into the Institute since 2013.
The ceremony which was held on Monday, 13 July 2026, at the Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, reflects the Service’s commitment to building a crop of certified communication professionals equipped to effectively project its reforms, operations and institutional achievements.
Addressing the newly inducted officers, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication architecture.
He noted that the Service’s transformation, including its recognition as the best-performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business, was the result of deliberate reforms that required competent professionals to communicate the Service’s successes with clarity, credibility and purpose.
He added that as the Service transitions to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations practitioners must remain proactive in countering misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence.
“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,” the CGC said.
He also revealed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative – Customs Cares, was set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
He described it as a legacy project which jiimpact must continue to be amplified through strategic, ethical and professional communication.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku commended the Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in the development of certified communication practitioners.
He observed that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Service had evolved into a national institution admired for its reforms, corporate excellence and growing influence within the global Customs community.
“You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian,” Dr. Neliaku stated.
Retired Comptroller of Customs and former National Public Relations Officer Joseph Attah urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the Public Relations profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication.
He encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR activities.
Attah also stressed that effective crisis communication demanded composure, empathy and strategic thinking.
In his welcome remarks, the Nigerian Customs National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, expresed delight that the milestone was achieved with the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs as well as other former spokespersons of the Service who nurtured the unit to this enviable height.
The induction of the 70 officers marks another milestone in the Service’s ongoing reform agenda and reinforces its commitment to institutionalising excellence in strategic communication.
