To foster a stronger working relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, convened a meeting on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel. The gathering included the Customs Area Controllers in Zone ‘A’ and the Guild of Editors.
Accompanied by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Hamza Gummi, responsible for Tariff and Trade, DCG Mohammed Abba-Kura in charge of Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection, DCG Jack Ajoku overseeing Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives, as well as ACG Festus Okun, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A,’ among others, the Ag. CGC expressed his intention to seek support, guidance, and collaboration from the media during his tenure as the head of the Customs Service.
During his speech, the Ag. CGC acknowledged the significant progress made by the Service in various areas over the years.
He emphasized the need for the media’s involvement and highlighted the Service’s achievements in ICT, human resource development, and revenue generation during the past decade.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the Service’s commitment to build upon and consolidate these accomplishments, aiming to deploy innovative solutions in certain areas in the coming years.
“Collaboration is going to be very strong on the agenda of Customs and this is why we are starting this with our partners in the Media”, he added.
“We will be open to collaborating with our partners in bringing more comprehensive reports to let Nigerians know what our challenges are, what the gaps are, what we can do to bridge those gaps to improve border security and generally, Nigeria”, he emphasized.
During his speech, the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Customs Boss and expressed their unwavering support.
He emphasized the significance of effective communication in their endeavors.
“Your coming on board is a refreshing development and I am sure we will enjoy such interactions, on behalf of my colleagues. I assure you that if you continue this way, the Nigeria Customs Service will have it good in the media”, he said.
“Some people say they’re afraid of the Media but the truth is that, if there’s no communication, if there’s no interaction, there will be miscommunication”, he noted.
Similarly, the A.g CGC also had a dinner gathering with Public Relations Officers in Zone A’ and maritime journalists at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja. During the gathering, he emphasized the importance of an open-door policy and stressed the significance of collaboration and partnership in effectively managing the Service.
“My intention is just to register our presence in Lagos. We know what Lagos means to Customs and in doing so, we solicit your support, guidance, corporation and partnership in steering the affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service”, he said.
In conclusion, he said “I will open my doors to you, it’s going to be an open governance system; you will have the opportunity to contribute, to check the directions in which the customs would go while I am in charge.”