NCS Engages Journalists to Strengthen Collaboration in Katsina
- Katsina City News
- 27 Dec, 2024
- 118
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar, Katsina Times
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has called on journalists in Katsina State to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding to promote the agency’s operations and educate the public on its activities. The spokesperson for the agency, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, made this appeal on Thursday, December 26, during a dialogue session with media executives and reporters in Katsina.
The event, held at the Albustan Hotel on Yahya Madaki Way, provided Maiwada an opportunity to highlight the agency’s achievements, challenges, and future aspirations. Representing the Comptroller General of Customs, Maiwada expressed gratitude to journalists for their role in overseeing government activities and fostering good governance.
Maiwada revealed that the Customs Service achieved substantial progress in revenue generation, collecting over ₦5 trillion in 2024 and aiming to reach ₦6 trillion by the end of 2025. He attributed these successes to improved operational strategies, including the use of intelligence and geospatial technology to minimize direct interactions between customs officers and the public.
He cited the success of “Operation Wild Wind,” an initiative aimed at curbing fuel smuggling, which relies on intelligence and geospatial technology rather than physical checkpoints. “This approach ensures efficient operations without unnecessary disruptions,” Maiwada explained.
Acknowledging complaints about misconduct among some Customs officers, Maiwada assured stakeholders that measures are being taken to address the issues. “We are committed to improving our interactions with traders and eliminating unprofessional behavior. For instance, if goods belonging to a small trader are detained without valid reasons, we will ensure their release if no contraband is found,” he stated.
Maiwada described journalists as the “fourth estate of the realm” and emphasized the importance of fair reporting in fostering accountability and transparency. “I do not see journalists as adversaries when they publish critical reports about Customs, as long as the reports are factual and fair. Constructive criticism helps us identify and correct our mistakes,” he added.
He further underscored the role of public interest in journalism, saying, “Our ultimate goal is to serve the people effectively. We rely on journalists to help us identify areas where improvements are needed.”
Reflecting on past interactions with the media in Katsina, Maiwada acknowledged previous shortcomings and reiterated efforts to improve relationships with journalists and the local community. He commended media professionals for their valuable suggestions, which have contributed to enhancing the agency’s operations.
In conclusion, Maiwada called for continued support from the media, emphasizing the challenges of managing public relations for a large organization like the Customs Service. “We are on a mission to transform the Customs Service, but we cannot do it alone. Your support is crucial as we strive to make significant contributions to society,” he said.
The dialogue ended with a renewed commitment to collaboration between the NCS and the media for the benefit of the public and the nation at large.
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