By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have renewed their partnership to strengthen strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing during a meeting held in Maitama, Abuja. The engagement, led by National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Okokon, followed the police spokesperson’s familiarisation tour and aimed to improve inter-agency cooperation, enhance public trust and support Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Customs, Police Renew Commitment to Stronger Partnership
The meeting provided both agencies with an opportunity to review their existing relationship and identify new areas for collaboration.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday, the renewed engagement aligns with ongoing reforms across Nigeria’s security institutions. These reforms seek to improve coordination, strengthen information sharing and promote a unified approach to public communication.
The engagement also coincided with the induction of 70 personnel from the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The Service described the milestone as a reflection of its commitment to professionalism and ethical communication.
Maiwada Highlights Importance of Strategic Communication
Speaking during the meeting, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed the importance of closer collaboration between both institutions.
He said:
“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.”
Maiwada also praised the Nigeria Police Force for promoting stronger cooperation among public communication professionals across government institutions.
According to him, the meeting will improve stakeholder confidence and support coordinated messaging that advances government policies.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Transparency
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Okokon, said the visit aimed to deepen the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said:
“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.”
Okokon added that both organisations must continue working together to promote professionalism, transparency and effective communication in support of national security.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with sister agencies in areas that promote transparency, professionalism and public trust.
Collaboration Supports National Security
The Nigeria Customs Service noted that effective communication and coordinated information management have become essential in modern security administration.
Both agencies remain among Nigeria’s frontline law enforcement institutions with complementary responsibilities in border security and law enforcement.
Over the years, they have worked together on intelligence gathering, anti-smuggling operations, combating illicit drug trafficking, curbing arms proliferation and tackling organised crime.
Beyond operational collaboration, the agencies continue to prioritise strategic communication to improve public confidence, counter misinformation and promote transparency in their operations.
