The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening communication and building public trust by repositioning the role of its Public Relations Officers (PROs).
This was made known during a workshop held on Monday at the Centre of Excellence, Bayero University Kano, New Campus.
The event had the theme “Beyond Masters of Ceremonies :The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholders’ Trust.”
It brought together experts, academics, and practitioners to highlight how effective communication can drive reforms, enhance transparency, and deepen stakeholder engagement within the Service.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who declared the event open, explained that the Service operates at the intersection of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.
“Every decision we make as PROs affects millions of lives and image of the country and service.
“Our actions may speak, but it is the voice of our PROs that interprets and gives meaning to these actions.” He said.
He emphasized that in an age where misinformation can go viral within minutes, PROs must master both traditional communication and digital platforms to sustain public trust.
“Customs PROs are not just announcers or event managers but strategic actors at the heart of reforms, reputation management, and stakeholder trust,” He added.
Professor Haruna Musa, Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, noted that public relations is no longer a side activity but the lifeblood of modern institutions.
“Public Relations Officers must shape the image of their organizations, build bridges with stakeholders, and ensure that the public truly understands government policies,” he said.
He described the workshop as a timely capacity-building effort that would help Customs close the gap between institutions and communities.
Delivering the guest lecture, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), challenged the perception of PROs as ceremonial officers.
He argued that they should be viewed as strategic players who contribute to policy communication, reputation management, and crisis response.
“Too often, PROs are brought in at the end of an event to make announcements. But their role should start at the beginning,” he said.
He urged the officers to embody credibility and professionalism both in and out of uniform.
