The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sought collaboration of journalists to strengthen revenue generation through the nation’s borders and safeguard point of entries from unwholesome commodities capacity of threatening national security.

Besides, the service reaffirmed commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media to enhance public awareness on activities of Customs.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, made the appealed at a media parley with journalists drawn from Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Katsina held at Kano Area Command.

Speaking on a theme: “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development”, Maiwada emphasized the importance of strategic communication and institutional accountability in governance.

Maiwada opined that media remains a vital bridge between government institutions and the public, stressing that stakeholders rely on credible information to make informed decisions on trade and economic activities.

According to him, “The media serves as a critical bridge between the government and the people. It is imperative for Customs and the media to work together in promoting public enlightenment and combating misinformation capable of undermining national economic and security interests,” he said.

The spokesperson of Customs further disclosed that the Service maintained partnerships with several media organizations across the country through radio and television programs in different languages aimed at educating the public on Customs activities.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Usman Umar Adamu, commended the initiative, describing the media as central to democratic development and public engagement.

He assured journalists of continued openness, transparency, and collaboration with the Command.

“This engagement creates new opportunities for constructive cooperation in the interest of national development and national security,” Adamu said.

Also, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, described the media as critical partners in public enlightenment, trade facilitation, and national security.

According to him, the engagement was designed to foster dialogue between Customs officers and journalists, improve understanding of Customs operations, and strengthen cooperation for national progress.

“We recognize the media not merely as observers of government activities, but as strategic partners in nation-building. Accurate and timely information is essential in promoting public understanding of Customs activities and policies,” he said.

Balarabe noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has embarked on reforms aimed at modernizing trade administration and improving operational efficiency through technology-driven initiatives.

He added that journalists covering Customs activities would benefit from specialized training to better understand Customs terminology, trade procedures, and operations.

“The Customs beat is highly technical. We believe that with proper training and shared understanding, journalists will be better equipped to educate the public and support our responsibilities effectively,” he stated.

The parley brought together Customs officers, media executives, and journalists from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States to discuss ways of improving communication, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and promoting accurate reportage of Customs activities.