The deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, made the call during a special media parley organized by the NCS Zone A Public Relations Unit in Lagos on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The event brought together veteran journalists, editors, and reporters to improve collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the media, while also recognizing journalists for their role in publicizing Customs activities.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Maiwada said quality training is more important than foreign trips in helping journalists report accurately on Customs matters. He explained that journalists need proper technical knowledge to understand and report Customs operations effectively.

According to him, the Service plans to focus more on training journalists in its 2026 strategic plan to ensure better understanding of Customs duties and activities. He added that accurate reporting can only come from being well-informed.

Dr. Maiwada also admitted that there are gaps in the Service’s relationship with the media. He assured participants that Customs officers would receive emotional intelligence training to improve communication and engagement with stakeholders.

The Public Relations Officer of Zone A, CSC Akaninyene Edeminam, described the gathering as an important step toward building stronger ties between the NCS and the media. He noted that the media remains a key partner in achieving the Service’s mandate.

Also speaking, CSC Abdullahi of the Lagos Free Zone Command, who coordinated the event, said feedback from journalists would be considered. He added that future editions of the event would be expanded and improved.

Maritime journalists from media organizations including NTA, MAJAN, MARCON, AMJON, and CONMMEP praised the Nigeria Customs Service for being transparent and open to media engagement.

The event ended positively, with both Customs officials and journalists pledging to strengthen collaboration in 2026.