NIPR INDUCTS 70 NCS PROs IN FIRST MASS INDUCTION SINCE 2013

NIPR INDUCTS 70 NCS PROs IN FIRST MASS INDUCTION SINCE 2013
By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service has entered a new phase in strategic communication following the induction of 70 of its Public Relations officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. The exercise, held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, marks the first time in 13 years that the NIPR is conducting a mass induction for Customs personnel.

Organisers said the initiative is part of a deliberate effort to professionalise the Service’s communication team and equip officers with the skills needed to manage information, project reforms, and protect the institution’s reputation.

Addressing the new inductees, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, described the induction as a strategic investment. He noted that the Service’s recent recognition as the best-performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business was a product of reforms that must now be communicated with clarity and credibility.

With the Service transitioning to a technology-driven Customs administration, the CGC said public relations officers will play a central role in shaping narratives, countering misinformation, and maintaining public trust.
“Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed. You must respond with clarity and take the necessary steps so that falsehoods are addressed swiftly and decisively,” he charged.

Dr. Adeniyi also disclosed that the Service’s CSR programme, Customs Cares, is set to be recognized at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. He stressed that such legacy projects require consistent and ethical communication to amplify their impact.

NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, applauded the Service for prioritizing certified communication professionals. He said Customs has evolved into a respected national institution under the current leadership.
“You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian,” he told the officers.

Retired Comptroller Joseph Attah, former NCS National PRO, urged the inductees to uphold truth, accuracy and responsibility. He advised them to embrace continuous learning through NIPR workshops and seminars, and to approach crisis communication with empathy and strategy.

In his welcome address, the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu Maiwada, attributed the milestone to the vision of the Comptroller-General and the groundwork laid by past spokespersons.

The induction of the 70 officers reinforces the Service’s commitment to building a modern, professional communication structure that aligns with its broader reform agenda.