The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to developing the next generation of public relations professionals by bringing together academics, communication experts and students at its Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt.
The mentorship-focused session, held on the second day of the conference, created a platform for students to interact directly with seasoned public relations practitioners and Customs officers, providing practical insights into the realities of modern strategic communication.
Participants were drawn from Rivers State University, the University of Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt. The session featured Chief Superintendent of Customs Luqman Abdullahi-Lagos and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, while Head of Station, Nigeria Customs Service Broadcasting Network, Amina Yuguda, moderated the panel discussion.
The panel stressed the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice through simulation exercises, role-play and strategic mentorship aimed at preparing aspiring public relations practitioners for the evolving communication landscape.
Speaking during the session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored the importance of mentorship in sustaining institutional credibility and nurturing future leaders.
He urged both students and younger officers to embrace character, competence, clarity, consistency and cost-consciousness as the essential pillars for professional growth and excellence.
“Effective public relations must extend beyond information dissemination to mentoring future leaders built on character, competence and clarity,” Maiwada stated.
The conference also featured practical masterclasses where senior Customs officers showcased how strategic communication has supported key reforms within the Service.
Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Usman Idris highlighted the role of stakeholder engagement and media campaigns in the successful rollout of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, while Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Joseph Adejoh discussed how transparency and early stakeholder engagement contributed to the implementation of the Advanced Ruling System and the One-Stop Shop initiative.
Participants also benefited from a digital communication session led by the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters Social Media Team, which exposed them to emerging tools in social media management, audience analytics and proactive online reputation management.
Organisers said the conference reflected the Service’s determination to cultivate a modern, innovative and adaptable public relations workforce capable of strengthening public confidence, supporting institutional reforms and advancing effective communication across the Nigeria Customs Service.
