DC Maiwada Pushes for Impactful Training to Drive Effective Reporting at Customs Media Parley

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Zone A, Public Relations Unit Honours Lagos Maritime Journalists

as the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, DC Abdullahi Maiwada PhD stressed the need for impactful training of maritime journalists to drive effective reporting of Customs activities.

In a night of appreciation and honour, Stakeholders gathered at the main hall of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Training College, Ikeja Lagos, on Friday, 19 December 2025, to celebrate the Service’s long- standing collaboration with the maritime journalists.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, Public Relations Unit showed love to Lagos journalists for spreading the good word about the Service’s work and for their shared commitment.

Appreciation vibes were flowing at this first of its kind event, with promises to sustain it.

The event, graced by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, DC Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada PhD, all Zone ‘A’ Spokespersons, veteran journalists, editors, reporters, greenhorns, set the stage for view sharing and renewed commitment.

Dr. Maiwada, who is also the convener of the gathering, addressed burning issues raised by the journalists, particularly, training of newsmen.

He stressed the need for impactful training to drive effective reportage, noting that sending journalists abroad for training is not as important as organising a more engaging workshop that will have ripple effect on reporters’ output.

“On the issue of training, it is not about taking Journalists abroad, what matters is the impact of that training in what we are doing. If you are reporting Customs and you are to inform the public, you are supposed to be informed before informing others. So there are so many transformations within the Service that I think it is very important that those who cover this beat are carried along.

“The issue of training and retraining of journalists is important so that you will be able to understand some of the technicalities that are within the Nigeria Customs Service. In our 2026 strategic plan, I will make sure that we resolve this issue of training of journalists. What I am promising is training, an impactful training that will add value to us”.

While assuring newsmen that all feedbacks will be channeled to appropriate authority, Dr Maiwada highlighted the crucial role of Public Relations personnel which include: to observe, predict, analyse and advise, emphasising that his team will not rest on its oars in ensuring management take positive steps on the feedbacks.

The National Public Relations Officer also acknowledged his team’s media management shortcomings, emphasising emotional intelligence as crucial for effective media relations.

He noted that the Service has prioritised training for its Officers to boost their media and Stakeholders’ engagement skills.

Dr Maiwada further appealed to Journalists to understand the fact that Customs Officers are human and can sometimes be overwhelmed, yet they must relate effectively with Stakeholders.

“On media relationship, it’s about mentorship, training and retraining, and understanding roles. As a PR personnel, building relationships is key. It’s a matter of emotional intelligence and I think we are going to dwell more on AI emotional intelligence on our Officers, when next we are having training. There’s need to know how to manage the media. Sometimes you have to move your personality and find a better way to engage with gentlemen of the press.

“I will continue to work with our Officers, not only the Public Relations Officer but all Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service. That is why we are the first agency to launch a handbook on reputation management, and we have asked all the Commands to give us feedback on training of the Officers, this is to ensure they are very receptive to members of the public,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Public Relations Officer of Zone ‘A’ , Chief Supreintendent of Customs, CSC Akaninyene Edeminam expressed delight on the success of the event, saying it underscored a strong and enduring relationship between the Service and the Media.

He said, “As we approach end of the year, this gathering offers us an important moment to reflect on our engagements, assess our progress and exchange views for a better year ahead. This is because the NCS recognises the media as a vital partner in the execution of its mandate. Together, we can build a better Nigeria Customs Service, and make a stronger, reliable and very efficient trading system”.

Also, Coordinator of the event and the Public Relations Officer of Lagos Free Zone Command, CSC Abdullahi Lagos called the initiative a first of its kind, saying it aimed to foster interaction and understanding between the Service PR Unit and the media.

He assured that all feedbacks would be addressed, adding future editions of the gathering will be massive.

CSC Abdullahi Lagos also lauded the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR drive in promoting professionalism and transparency, noting how his PR approach has improved the Service-Stakeholders interactions and boosted the Service’s reputation.

“Our responsibility is to ensure we protect the reputation and image of the Service. We have a leader who is efficient, the NPRO believes in standard and will not settle for less. We will continue to build on the experiences we’ve had because this is our department, and any PRO who does not know how to manage the media is not a good PR. We assure you that though this gathering is first of its kind, subsequent parleys will be massive,” he added.

Representatives from Maritime Journalists’ Associations also delivered goodwill messages at the event.

Jenifer Aigbe of NTA, appreciated the Service- media relationship, calling for more improvement to ensure that useful information reaches the public.

Also, MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu hailed the Service’s PR Unit as the top news content generator amongst other PR Units in 2025, urging them to keep up the good work and also maximise their use of multimedia facilities.

Similarly, Vera Osokpo of Associstion of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) also praised the Customs PR Unit, wishing the Service a more productive 2026.

The President of Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), Udo Onyeka lauded NCS for top notch information dissemination, commending the PR Unit for working in tandem with the CGC to keep Customs activities in spotlight. He also commended the Service for their media-friendly approach, Stakeholders engagements and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR efforts.

Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria MARAN President, Tunde Ayodele urged the PR team not to rest on its oars, to keep pushing, and deliver more in 2026. He suggested the interactive session be held quarterly to have more impact.

The event concluded on a high note, with renewed commitment to enhance stronger media engagement and effectively protect the reputation of the Service.