NCS Sensitises Journalists on Trade Modernisation Reforms

Organises Four-Day Workshop in Abuja

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised a four-day capacity building workshop for Journalists in Abuja to deepen understanding of its ongoing Trade Modernisation and digital reforms.

Declaring the workshop open on Thursday, 7 May 2026, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, DCG Timi Bomodi noted that the pace of reforms within the Service has made it necessary for stakeholders, particularly journalists, to have a clear understanding of the purpose, direction and expected impact of the ongoing transformation initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, he described the media as critical stakeholders that drive the success of customs’ reforms.

“A lot is happening within the Service, and sometimes it may be difficult for stakeholders to keep pace with the speed of these developments. That is why engagements like this have become necessary,” DCG Bomodi said.

He emphasised that the Trade Modernisation Project remains one of the most strategic reforms currently being driven by the Service, aimed at eliminating inefficiencies, simplifying trade procedures and creating a more predictable business environment.

“The Trade Modernisation Project sits at the centre of our transformation journey. Through digital platforms, automation of procedures, and systems integration, we are building a Customs administration that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive,” he said.

DCG Bomodi noted that reforms of such magnitude cannot succeed without public understanding, stressing that the media remains the bridge between institutions and the people.

“When change happens, stakeholders must understand not just what is changing, but why it is changing. That is where the media becomes indispensable,” he added.

Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said the workshop was deliberately designed to equip journalists with practical knowledge of the modernisation project and the wider reforms taking place within the Service.

“In this era of global trade and technological advancement, it has become necessary to carry critical stakeholders, particularly the media, along in this journey of transformation,” DC Maiwada said.

He added that beyond infrastructure and technology, the success of Customs modernisation depends largely on accurate public communication and informed reportage.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Ahmad Ogunsola, urged participants to engage openly throughout the sessions and seek clarity on every aspect of the project.

“Our objective is to answer as many questions as possible and ensure that by the end of this engagement, participants leave with a deeper understanding of the project and its impact on trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ogunsola said.

Members of the Customs Management Team present at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, and the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu.

Among the resource persons who took participants through technical sessions were Deputy Comptroller Nafi’u Salihu, who delivered a presentation on the Integrated Non-Intrusive Inspection System, Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi, and other senior officers of the Service.

The workshop, themed “Enhancing Media Knowledge and Understanding of Customs Modernisation Project,” commenced on Wednesday, 6 May and is expected to end on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

Journalists were selected from various media organisations across the country to participate in the ongoing workshop.