NCS, NIPR Join Forces to Promote Professionalism, Excellence in PR Practice

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, have agreed to deepen collaboration in promoting professionalism, ethical standards, and strategic communication in public relations practice.

This was the outcome of a courtesy visit by the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, to the NIPR FCT Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, 16 May 2025.

Maiwada, who led a delegation of officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit, said the visit aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships and promoting knowledge sharing between the NCS and the professional PR body.

Strategic Partnership between the two parties to enhance professionalism and excellence

National Public Relations Officer, (NPRO) of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada addressing the NIPR FCT Chapter leadership along with his NCS delegation

“We believe that excellence and professionalism should be the hallmark of our practice of Public Relations in the Nigeria Customs Service and beyond,” he said, adding that the PR Unit under his watch is driven by youthful energy, dedication, and the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Stanley Ogadigo, Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, who received the delegation, commended the Customs Service for its communication efforts, particularly under the leadership of the current Comptroller-General.

“We’re glad that the Comptroller-General of Customs has not disappointed us. He’s doing a great job and remains a shining example,” he said.

Ogadigo pledged the NIPR’s full support in promoting initiatives that would enhance public relations practice in the public sector. He highlighted plans for collaboration in capacity building, corporate social responsibility, and joint advocacy.

Discussions during the visit focused on possible training programmes, professional development opportunities, and initiatives to adapt public communication strategies to the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering continuous learning and strengthening the credibility of government institutions through ethical and strategic public relations.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with NCS and NIPR FCT Chapter pledging to collaborate on initiatives boosting national public sector communication.