Customs, Police Strengthen Partnership on Strategic Communication, Public Engagement

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, with a renewed focus on strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing in support of national security.

The commitment was reiterated 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 Abdullahi Maiwada, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The visit formed part of CSP Okokon's familiarisation tour following his assumption of office and provided an opportunity for both agencies to consolidate their longstanding relationship and explore new areas of cooperation aimed at improving institutional communication and public confidence.

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 organisations described as a significant step towards promoting professionalism and ethical standards in public sector communication.

Speaking during the meeting, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, DC Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed appreciation to the Police for prioritising collaboration among communication professionals in government institutions.

He described the engagement as a demonstration of the shared responsibility both agencies have in shaping public perception, strengthening stakeholder confidence and effectively communicating government policies.

"The Nigeria Customs Service values its longstanding relationship with the Nigeria Police Force. 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 said.

In his remarks, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering stronger partnerships with sister security agencies, particularly in areas that enhance public trust and institutional effectiveness.

According to him, strategic communication has become an indispensable component of modern governance and security administration, making collaboration among public relations practitioners across government institutions both necessary and timely.

"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," Okokon stated.

The renewed partnership is expected to bolster cooperation between the two security agencies, improve coordinated public messaging and reinforce efforts to build public trust while advancing national security objectives through effective institutional communication.