Hauwa Mustapha, Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called on its public relations officers to ensure effective communication and foster stronger relationships between the service and citizens.
This was highlighted during a workshop for Customs public relations officers held in Kano State.
The Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Timi Bomode, underscored the critical importance of communication, noting that public relations officers play a vital role in maintaining public trust.
“PR officers don’t just communicate, but also interpret, contextualise, and give meaning to institutional actions,” Bomode said.
He explained that the workshop aimed to challenge outdated views of PR officers as mere event coordinators and to highlight their evolving role in policy development, reputation management, crisis handling, and stakeholder engagement.
The Controller General further stressed that public relations is about building trust, promoting transparency, and addressing misinformation.
He described the workshop as both timely and essential, urging participants to refine and adapt their strategies, stressing that their work extends far beyond ceremonial functions.
The Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Baturi Dawakin Tofa, commended the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening the public relations profession.
“Public relations professionals carry significant responsibility and must work together to provide necessary resources and backing,” Bature stated.
The workshop attracted a diverse audience, including media professionals, Customs officers, and other key stakeholders.
PIAK