By Ramatu Garba, Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has expressed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media to enhance public awareness, transparency and national development.
The National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Deputy Controller Abdullahi Maiwada,(PhD) said this on Monday during a media parley organised by the command in Kano.
The media parley for Zone B, themed “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders Awareness and National Development,” brought together journalists, customs officers and stakeholders from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina states.
Speaking at the event, Maiwada described the media as a critical partner in promoting accountability, public enlightenment and constructive national discourse.
According to him, effective communication and strategic collaboration remain essential to the success of customs operations and efficient public service delivery across the country.
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He explained that the engagement was organised to deepen journalists’ understanding of customs operations, trade facilitation tools and fiscal policies.
Maiwada noted that previous training sessions held in Abuja exposed gaps in the understanding of customs terminologies among journalists, hence the need for sustained capacity building.
He said the initiative would equip journalists with the knowledge required to properly inform the public and effectively monitor the activities of the service.
“The media plays a vital 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 witness technological advancements being implemented by the service in line with global best practices.
According to him, the reforms are targeted at strengthening accountability, improving transparency and enhancing public trust in Customs administration.
The spokesman stressed the importance of stakeholders’ awareness and understanding in the successful implementation of customs policies and trade facilitation measures.
He added that the media had a major responsibility in combating misinformation and promoting national economic and security interests through accurate reportage.
Maiwada further announced plans to establish a dedicated media platform for Northern Nigeria to improve communication and strengthen professional relationships with journalists in the region.
He commended media practitioners for their contributions in projecting the activities of the service, including support for Hausa-language programmes and other regional media platforms.
Speaking, the Acting Customs Area Controller in-charge of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Usman Umar, reaffirmed the commitment of the service to strengthening collaboration with the media for effective information dissemination.
Umar commended Maiwada for initiating the engagement and urged journalists to sustain professionalism and balanced reporting.
He stressed that stronger synergy between the media and the Customs Service would contribute significantly to national growth, trade facilitation and security.