By Vera Osokpo
Customs officers gathered on Port Harcourt to ensure its story and its reforms are communicated with greater purpose and impact.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, who is the lead presenter, opened the conference by stressing that communication must be integrated into operations rather than treated as an afterthought.
He noted that effective communication strengthens public trust, improves compliance, and supports the successful implementation of reforms.
“We need to humanise reforms and showcase success stories to demonstrate their impact on the everyday citizen, while aligning operational achievement with strategic communication,” he said.
In the first technical session, Jossy Nkwocha, Managing Director of Reputation Masters Limited, urged participants to move beyond traditional public relations by embracing strategic planning, innovation, and corporate communication as essential tools for institutional growth.
Delivering the second technical session, Lawrence Dike of the University of Port Harcourt highlighted the role of stakeholder engagement in successful organisational transformation.
He argued that trust, consistency, and people-centred communication are critical to achieving lasting reforms.
“Trust is the currency of business and relationships.
Trust is your reputation and reputation is your legacy,” he said.
Focusing on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Titus Omajali stressed that effective communication remains central to the programme’s success, calling for stronger engagement between Customs and stakeholders to improve compliance and trade facilitation.
“The success of the AEO programme largely depends on effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the international supply chain,” he stated.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Parry Benson, with CSC Abdullahi Husseini, CSC Oscar Ivara, CSC Emmanuel Tangwa, SC Magaji Dikko, and SC Juliana Tomo sharing practical insights on managing corporate and strategic communication in complex operational environments.
Adding a practical perspective, Bamidele Chinedu, General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project, encouraged PR practitioners to become trusted sources of information by communicating clearly, listening to stakeholder feedback, and maintaining consistency in public engagement.
The conference’s day one concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening strategic communication across the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing the message that effective communication is no longer just about managing reputation; it is a critical driver of reforms, stakeholder confidence, and institutional success.