…Experts, Academics Equip Students with Practical Skills for Modern Public Relations
In a significant effort to bridge the divide between academic learning and professional practice, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) brought together academics, communication professionals, and students at its Public Relations Conference held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Port Harcourt.
The panel session, which was the highlight of the conference’s second day, featured participants from Rivers State University, the University of Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic. It also included Chief Superintendent of Customs Luqman Abdullahi-Lagos and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, with Amina Yuguda, Head of Station, Nigeria Customs Service Broadcasting Network, serving as moderator.
The interactive session provided students with practical career insights while promoting the use of simulation exercises and role-playing as effective tools for preparing future public relations professionals to tackle today’s communication challenges.
Speaking during the session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed that public relations should go beyond information dissemination by prioritising mentorship to develop leaders capable of sustaining public trust in institutions.
He urged young Customs officers and students to embrace character, competence, clarity, consistency, and cost-consciousness as essential values for career growth and professional excellence.
”Effective public relations must extend beyond information dissemination to mentoring future leaders built on character, competence, and clarity,” DC Maiwada said.
Participants also benefited from practical masterclasses where senior Customs officers showcased ongoing reforms as real-life case studies. Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASCI) Usman Idris explained how strategic stakeholder engagement and media campaigns supported the successful rollout of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.
Similarly, ASCI Joseph Adejoh shared lessons from the implementation of the Advanced Ruling System and the One-Stop Shop, highlighting the importance of transparency and early stakeholder engagement in driving successful reforms.
The conference concluded with a digital communication session led by the NCS Headquarters Social Media Team, which trained participants on digital engagement strategies, audience analytics, and proactive online reputation management.
Organisers said the mentorship-focused conference reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to developing a modern, innovative, and adaptable public relations workforce capable of strengthening public confidence and supporting the Service’s ongoing institutional reforms.
