By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday convened a media parley for Zone B commands in Kano, bringing together Public Relations Officers of the Service and journalists from Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna states to strengthen collaboration between the media and Customs in promoting public awareness and national development.
The event, held at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command Conference Hall along Sani Marshall Road, Bompai, Kano, was chaired by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, alongside the Acting Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Usman Adamu.
The parley was organised under the theme: “Building Synergy Between the Media and Customs for Enhanced Stakeholders’ Awareness and National Development.”
The gathering attracted journalists and media correspondents from various media organisations across the North-West, including Katsina Times, Daily Trust, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Leadership Hausa, Alfijir Radio Katsina, Vision FM Katsina, Arise Television, among others.
Speaking during the engagement, Customs officials emphasised the importance of a strong working relationship between the Service and the media in disseminating accurate information on Customs operations, trade facilitation, border security and anti-smuggling activities.
They noted that effective communication and timely reportage remain critical in enhancing public understanding of the policies and achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service, while also promoting national economic growth and security.
The officials further commended journalists covering Customs activities for their role in informing the public and supporting efforts aimed at improving transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement within the Service.
Participants at the parley also discussed ways to strengthen information sharing, professional cooperation and responsible journalism in reporting Customs-related activities across the region.
The event featured interactive sessions between Customs spokespersons and media practitioners, with discussions centred on public sensitisation, institutional communication and strategies for deepening mutual understanding between the Service and the media.
