Customs Opens 2025 PR Workshop in Kano, Tasks Officers on Integrity, Stakeholder Trust

KANO – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced its 2025 Public Relations Officers Workshop at Bayero University, Kano, with a strong call for professionalism, integrity, and innovation among its officers. Declaring the four-day event open on Monday, 22 September 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Ag. Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Timi Bomodi, emphasized that effective communication is essential to the Service’s roles in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.

According to DCG Bomodi, who delivered the CGC’s keynote address, the theme of the workshop – “Beyond Masters of Ceremony: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholder Trust” – is a timely reminder that PROs are more than event managers. He urged participants to embrace technology, master digital tools and AI, and respond to crises with clarity and truth. “Our actions may speak, but it is the voice of public relations that interprets, contextualises, and gives meaning to these actions,” he said.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his Director-General of Media, Sanusi Bature, commended the Customs Service for its transparency and dedication to public trust. He highlighted the need for PR officers to balance modern communication tools with core human values such as honesty and empathy. The governor praised the National PRO, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, for setting high standards in stakeholder engagement.

Also speaking at the event, Bayero University Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, described the workshop as a model for blending academic theory with practical public service. Other thought leaders, including NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, emphasized the importance of strategic communication in nation-building and the responsible use of social media. Participants were charged to use the opportunity to improve institutional credibility, enhance public trust, and become vision-driven storytellers for the Nigeria Customs Service.