The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) has honoured the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CSC Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola, with the ‘Most Articulate and Strategic Customs Image Maker of the Year 2026’ award.

The award was presented at this year’s AMJON Conference and Awards ceremony, which brought together key stakeholders in the maritime industry to celebrate excellence, professionalism, and outstanding contributions within the sector.

Speaking at the event, AMJON officials praised Abiola for his exceptional role in public communication, reputation management and stakeholder engagement within the Nigeria Customs Service.

The association noted that his strategic approach to information dissemination and crisis communication has helped strengthen public confidence in Customs operations, particularly at the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

According to the association, the recognition reflects his consistency in delivering accurate, timely, and clear information to the public while effectively bridging the communication gap between the Service and stakeholders in the trading community.

Abiola joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 2011 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I and has since established himself in the field of public relations and strategic communication. Before his current appointment in Lagos, he served as Command Public Relations Officer in the Oyo/Osun and Kano/Jigawa Area Commands.

Born on October 10, 1984, Abiola hails from Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. He attended Staff Nursery and Primary School, Ijanikin, before proceeding to Egan High School, Lagos.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University and an Executive MBA from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), he has participated in several professional development programmes focused on media relations and strategic communication.

Responding to the honour, Abiola expressed gratitude to AMJON for the recognition, describing the award as a motivation to further promote professionalism, transparency, and effective communication in the discharge of his duties.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening stakeholder engagement in support of the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate.

Industry observers say the award underscores the increasing importance of strategic communication in the maritime sector, especially as government agencies continue to implement reforms and digital innovations aimed at improving operational efficiency and service delivery.