BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has joined forces with the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, to solidify inter-agency collaboration in public engagement, information sharing and strategic communication.
This followed a courtesy visit by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Anietie Okokon, to the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller, DC, of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, which formed part of the Force PRO's familiarisation tour since his assumption of office, provided an opportunity for both institutions to deepen their longstanding relationship and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in support of national security and effective institutional communication.
National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, DC Abdullahi Maiwada appreciated the visit and commended the NPF for prioritising institutional partnerships among communication professionals within the public sector.
He described the engagement as a reflection of the shared responsibility by both institutions in shaping public perception, strengthening stakeholder confidence, and advancing government policies through strategic communication.
"NCS values its longstanding relationship with the NPF. Today's engagement presents another opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration between our Public Relations Units and collectively contribute towards building stronger institutions through effective communication and stakeholder engagement," he said.l
The engagement which coincided with the induction ceremony of 70 officers and men of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, underscored the growing emphasis on professionalism and ethical communication within public institutions.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon stated that the NPF remains committed to fostering productive relationships with sister agencies, particularly in areas that strengthen public trust and institutional effectiveness.
He explained that strategic communication has become indispensable in modern governance and security administration, making collaboration among public relations practitioners across government institutions both necessary and timely.
"This visit is aimed at further strengthening the cordial relationship between the NPF and the NCS, while enhancing collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement, and information sharing.
“As institutions serving the Nigerian people, we must continue to work together to promote professionalism, transparency, and effective communication in support of our national security objectives," he added.
Also, the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone 'A', Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG, Mohammed Babandede received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, in Lagos as both agencies promised to strengthen inter-agency collaboration against smuggling, maritime crime and other threats to national security.
Babandede said that the mandate of the NCS extends beyond revenue generation to implementing government trade policies and agreements, protecting local industries and safeguarding national security through the monitoring of prohibited and harmful goods.
"The government doesn't just collect money. It is also interested in protecting local industries and creating jobs," he said.
ACG Babadende described the Armed Forces as the pride of the nation and commended the Nigerian Navy for its commitment to maritime security, adding that sustained inter-agency cooperation remains critical to strengthening institutional effectiveness and enhancing national security.
He reaffirmed that collaboration with sister agencies remains one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in addressing the proliferation of Indian hemp, codeine, cocaine and other illicit substances across West Africa.
Rear Admiral Mustapha said that the engagement provided an opportunity to introduce himself formally and to explore new areas of collaboration between the Western Naval Command and the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone 'A'.
He described the Service as a strategic national institution whose contributions to revenue generation and trade facilitation continue to strengthen Nigeria's economy.
The Flag Officer Commanding praised the Service's adoption of innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, saying that the deployment of modern tools was making Customs' operations more efficient and positioning the nation's ports for greater competitiveness.
"Customs is partnering with the government to upgrade some of the best ports. With innovation and technology, certain problems will become a thing of the past," he said.
Mustapha informed that enforcement remains a major point of convergence between the Navy and Customs, stressing that both agencies share the responsibility of combating criminality, securing Nigeria's borders and disrupting illicit trade.
He stated that while Customs plays a vital role in intercepting prohibited goods and illicit drugs, the Navy's intelligence-driven maritime operations complement those efforts in safeguarding the nation's territorial waters.
The high-level engagement reinforced the longstanding partnership between the NCS and the Nigerian Navy, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, enforcement and border security.
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