The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth engagement and public enlightenment as it hosted students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), on an educational excursion to its Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, was facilitated by the Public Relations Unit of the Service and aimed at providing the students with a deeper understanding of the NCS’s operational structure, strategic functions, and its role in international trade and border governance.
Welcoming the students on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a comprehensive session on the Service’s statutory responsibilities, which include revenue generation, anti-smuggling enforcement, and trade facilitation.
Maiwada highlighted the importance of such academic interactions in fostering knowledge-sharing and cultivating a new generation of leaders attuned to the realities of global trade and customs diplomacy.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to promoting public trust through knowledge exchange. Engaging students of international relations is especially important because the future of Customs lies in informed partnerships and cross-sector collaboration,” he said.
He also emphasized the NCS’s alignment with global best practices, particularly through active collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). He underscored the value of Customs-to-Customs cooperation and inter-agency synergy in enhancing international diplomacy and facilitating seamless trade operations.
A key highlight of the excursion was an interactive Q\&A session where students explored real-world applications of international relations principles in customs operations. Discussions covered Nigeria’s implementation of the **Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)** programme, a key initiative that fosters supply chain security and trade efficiency.
To further enrich the students’ experience, Deputy National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali, led a guided tour of key departments within the Customs Headquarters. The students were introduced to various digital tools and platforms deployed by the Service to drive operational efficiency, ensure transparency, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
The visit not only offered practical exposure to the workings of the Nigeria Customs Service but also served as a bridge between academia and public institutions, fostering greater understanding of the role of Customs in national development and international engagement.