Customs, Police Deepen Partnership on Strategic Communication, Information Sharing
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve public confidence in government institutions.
The renewed commitment was made during 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 of Customs (DC) Abdullahi Maiwada, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday.
The visit formed part of CSP Okokon’s familiarisation tour following his assumption of office and provided an opportunity for both agencies to review their longstanding relationship while exploring new areas of cooperation in public communication and stakeholder engagement.
The engagement also coincided with the induction of 70 officers and personnel of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a development both agencies described as a significant step towards promoting professionalism, ethical standards and excellence in public sector communication.
Speaking during the meeting, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, DC Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the Police delegation and commended the Nigeria Police Force for prioritising collaboration among communication professionals within government institutions.
Maiwada noted that both organisations share a common responsibility of promoting public confidence, shaping positive public perception and supporting the implementation of government policies through effective communication.
According to him, the enduring partnership between the Customs Service and the Police Force has continued to contribute to institutional effectiveness, stressing that stronger cooperation between their public relations departments would further enhance transparency and public trust.
“The 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.
On his part, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining productive partnerships with sister security and government agencies.
He observed that strategic communication has become an essential component of modern governance and security administration, making collaboration among public relations practitioners increasingly important.
Okokon explained that the visit was aimed at reinforcing the cordial relationship between the Police and Customs while improving cooperation in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing.
He stressed that both institutions must continue to work together in promoting professionalism, transparency and effective communication as part of broader efforts to achieve the country’s national security objectives.
“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 said.
The meeting underscores the growing emphasis by security and government agencies on coordinated communication strategies, recognising that effective public engagement and timely information sharing are critical to strengthening public confidence, improving institutional performance and supporting national security initiatives.
