The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to strengthen its relationship with journalists and media organisations as part of a broader strategy to improve public engagement, increase transparency, and deepen awareness of Customs operations across the country.

The renewed push formed the centrepiece of a high-level media engagement held at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command headquarters in Kano, where senior Customs officers and media professionals gathered to discuss the role of communication in national development, border security, and trade facilitation.

Addressing journalists during the session, National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, described the media as a critical institution in shaping public understanding of government policies and Customs activities.

According to him, the Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi has continued to expand reforms aimed at modernising operations, improving transparency, deploying digital systems, and strengthening intelligence-driven enforcement.

He explained that the Service was increasingly relying on strategic communication and public enlightenment to counter misinformation and build trust among importers, exporters, border communities and other stakeholders affected by Customs policies.

Maiwada stressed that accurate reporting has become even more important as the agency undergoes major operational reforms designed to support economic growth and simplify trade processes across Nigeria’s borders.

He also urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness and balanced reporting while covering security, trade and revenue-related issues, noting that stronger collaboration between the media and Customs would help improve public confidence in government institutions.

The engagement also featured discussions around trade regulations, border operations, enforcement procedures and stakeholder concerns, with journalists using the opportunity to seek clarifications on emerging policies and operational challenges.

Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, described the meeting as a timely initiative capable of strengthening institutional communication and enhancing cooperation between the Service and media practitioners.

Representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the event commended Customs for sustaining open dialogue with the media, describing the relationship between both institutions as essential to national development and public accountability.

Participants at the parley emphasised the need for sustained engagement, mutual trust and responsible information sharing, especially at a time when misinformation and public skepticism continue to challenge government institutions nationwide.