Lagos, Nigeria – On Sunday, July 16, 2023, the Lagos Marriott hotel hosted a meeting with the Guild of Editors and Customs Area Controllers in Zone “A.” Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), also attended. In order to improve efficient service delivery, the meeting’s goal was to strengthen the working relationship between the media and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Assistant Comptroller General Festus Okun was present, along with Deputy Comptroller General Mohammed Abba-Kura, Deputy Comptroller General Jack Ajoku, and Deputy Comptroller General Mohammed Abba-Kura. The Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Hamza Gummi was also present. In particular, he emphasized the extraordinary strides the Customs Service has made in ICT, the development of human resources, and revenue production over the years.
The discussion with media partners marked the beginning of this significant project, and the Ag. CGC stressed that collaboration will be a primary priority for Customs. He said Customs will be open to working with the media to offer thorough reports, enabling Nigerians to better understand the agency’s difficulties and the steps being taken to increase border security and the nation’s general well-being.
Eze Anaba, the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, responded by congratulating the customs chief on his new position and assuring him of the support of the media. He emphasized the value of interaction and effective communication, emphasizing that poor engagement leads to miscommunication. Anaba expressed confidence that the Nigeria Customs Service would have a positive relationship with the media with sustained constructive contacts.
The Ag. CGC also attended a dinner meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja with public relations representatives from Zone “A” and marine journalists. He reaffirmed his dedication to an open-door policy and stressed the importance of collaboration and teamwork in running the Nigeria Customs Service during the event. He reassured them that their suggestions and input would be valued and taken into account when making decisions.
The Acting CGC acknowledged Lagos’ importance to Customs operations in his final statement and stated his determination to create a noticeable presence there. He emphasized the value of cooperation and asked the media and stakeholders to participate actively and offer their opinions on how Customs should be run under his management.
A step in the right direction has been taken toward enhanced communication, greater openness, and efficient service delivery with the meeting and following contacts between media representatives and the Nigeria Customs Service. The goal is to strengthen border security, generate more income, and advance Nigeria’s general development through continuing cooperation.
