The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified efforts to promote effective communication strategies around food security and policy awareness at the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week 2026 held in Kaduna.
The week-long event, which began on April 19 at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall, brought together policymakers, media professionals, and communication experts to examine the role of public relations in addressing food inflation and strengthening food security. Among dignitaries present were Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sanni.
The NCS demonstrated strong participation, with over 29 Public Relations Officers attending, highlighting the Service’s commitment to improving institutional communication, stakeholder engagement, and professionalism in public relations practice.
A key highlight of the event was a high-level panel discussion on the importance of strategic communication in tackling food inflation and enhancing public understanding of government policies. Speaking during the session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized the critical role communication plays in policy implementation.
According to him, effective dissemination of policy information ensures public understanding and support, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation and border management. He noted that when citizens clearly understand policies and their impacts, compliance and alignment improve significantly.
Other panelists, including Ambassador Bryiyne Chitsunge and communication expert Agnes Bassey, identified climate change and insecurity as key contributors to food inflation. They stressed that poor communication around these issues often leads to misinformation and public distrust.
The session also called for more data-driven and solution-oriented media reporting, as well as stronger collaboration between government institutions and the media to promote balanced narratives on food security and national development.
As part of activities marking the event, the NCS Public Relations leadership hosted a dinner for officers at the B.A. Adeniyi Officers’ Mess. The gathering provided an informal platform for officers to strengthen professional bonds and foster unity outside official sessions.
The dinner was attended by senior officers, including Assistant Comptroller-General Nsika Umoh and Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan. In her remarks, Umoh praised the strong sense of unity and professionalism within the Public Relations Unit, describing it as both inspiring and family-oriented.
The participation of the Nigeria Customs Service at NPRW 2026 underscored its growing recognition of communication as a vital tool in driving policy success, particularly in addressing food security challenges and enhancing public trust.
