By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged public relations officers of the service to ensure effectiveness of communication and fostering stronger relationships between the Service and the public.
The Controller General of the service CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during a strategic workshop organized for Customs Public relations officers Held at Bayero University Kano.
In his opening address, the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Acting Deputy Controller General, Timi Bomodi, underscored the critical importance of effective communication.
“In today’s world, the role of public relations officers is as vital as the actions of the institution itself. PR officers don’t just communicate – they interpret, contextualize, and give meaning to institutional actions,”.
Bomodi emphasized that as the NCS continues to modernize and align with global best practices, PR officers play a crucial part in maintaining public trust, which is essential for the institution’s reform agenda.
He said Public relations is no longer just about communicating; it’s about building trust, promoting transparency, and addressing misinformation.
“In an era defined by digital platforms and AI, PR officers must be agile, tech-savvy, and adept at using modern tools to shape public discourse.”
Professor Haruna Musa, Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, welcomed the initiative, describing the workshop as both timely and essential.
He encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the opportunity to refine and adapt their public relations strategies, stressing that their work goes far beyond ceremonial functions.
“PR officers are the key architects in shaping the narrative of the Nigeria Customs Service. Your work is crucial to how the public perceives us,”.
In a show of support, Sunusi Bature Dawaki Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, lauded the workshop as a crucial step toward strengthening the public relations profession.
“Public relations professionals carry a significant responsibility, We must all work together to provide the necessary resources and backing to ensure that the profession’s impact continues to grow”.
The workshop’s focal theme, “Beyond Masters of Ceremonies”, sought to challenge outdated views of PR officers as mere event coordinators. it highlighted their evolving role at the heart of policy development, reputation management, crisis handling, and stakeholder engagement.
The workshop attracted a diverse audience, including media professionals, NCS officers, and other key stakeholders.
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