Customs Deepens Stakeholder Engagement to Tackle Cargo Clearance Challenges

Customs Deepens Stakeholder Engagement to Tackle Cargo Clearance Challenges

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service has initiated a Reputation Management Campaign in Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, as part of a nationwide effort to boost institutional integrity, public trust, and service delivery. The campaign includes train-the-trainer sessions for key officers to embed reputation management principles across all formations in Zone ‘B’. Comptroller Aliyu Alkalia emphasized that reputation is crucial for building trust and distinguishing the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his remarks, Customs Area Controller for FOU Zone ‘B’, Comptroller Aliyu Alkalia, thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi and the Management Team for initiating the Guide, calling it “a significant milestone in the journey to enhance service delivery and project the positive image of the organisation.”

“Reputation is everything in the Service. It is the foundation for building trust and distinguishing the Nigeria Customs Service. Our conduct as officers directly shapes the Service’s image, and the seven golden rules serve as our compass for promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism,” Alkalia said.

Delivering the keynote address, Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Adekunle Oloyede represented by Comptroller Ofonime Ido stressed that a strong reputation underpins operational success and fosters public cooperation.

“As representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are ambassadors of our organisation. Our behaviour and conduct directly affect how the public perceives us,” he noted.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of consistent communication and professionalism in sustaining the Service’s credibility.

The train-the-trainer sessions provided practical strategies for instilling the Guide’s principles at command and unit levels, ensuring uniform adoption across the Service.

Closing the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Sambo Adamu reaffirmed Zone ‘B’ officers’ commitment to fully uphold the Reputation Management Guide in all engagements.