Joseph Chibu
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 70 Public Relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), marking the Service’s first mass induction into the Institute since 2013.
The ceremony, held at the Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, July 13, 2026, was part of efforts to strengthen strategic communication and professionalise the Service’s Public Relations workforce.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the induction as a strategic investment in improving the Service’s communication structure and ensuring effective projection of its reforms and achievements.
Adeniyi said the transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service requires skilled communication professionals capable of promoting transparency, building public trust and effectively communicating institutional progress.
He urged the newly inducted officers to remain proactive in addressing misinformation, managing public perception and maintaining stakeholders’ confidence as the Service advances towards a technology-driven Customs system.
The Customs boss also highlighted the importance of strategic communication in promoting the Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Customs Cares, which he said continues to make significant impact.
The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for investing in professional development and strengthening the capacity of its communication officers.
He noted that the Service has continued to gain recognition through reforms and improved performance, stressing the need for professional communicators to sustain its positive image.
Former National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, retired Comptroller Joseph Attah, advised the newly inducted officers to uphold ethical standards, accuracy and responsibility in their communication duties.
The induction was described as a major milestone in the Service’s reform efforts and a step towards institutionalising excellence in strategic communication.