Customs, police strengthen partnership on strategic communication, information sharing

The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing as part of efforts to improve institutional effectiveness and support national security.

The renewed commitment followed a meeting between the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The engagement, according to a statement issued by the NCS on Thursday, was part of the police spokesperson’s familiarisation tour following his appointment and provided both agencies with an opportunity to review their existing partnership and identify new areas of cooperation.

The meeting also coincided with the induction of 70 personnel of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, a development the Service said reflects its growing emphasis on professionalism and ethical standards in public communication.

Speaking during the visit, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said the relationship between the two security agencies remained vital to effective public engagement and institutional credibility.

He said, “The NCS values its longstanding relationship with the NPF. 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 also commended the Nigeria Police Force for promoting stronger ties among public communication professionals across government institutions, describing the meeting as an important step towards improving stakeholder confidence and advancing government policies through coordinated messaging.

Also speaking, the Force Public Relations Officer, Okokon, said the police remained committed to strengthening cooperation with sister agencies in areas that promote transparency, professionalism and public trust.

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He said, “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.”

The Customs Service noted that the engagement reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to deepen inter-agency cooperation, recognising that effective communication and coordinated information management have become increasingly important in modern security administration and public service delivery.

The NCS and the NPF are among Nigeria’s frontline law enforcement agencies with complementary responsibilities in securing Nigeria’s borders, combating transnational crimes and enforcing federal laws.

Over the years, both institutions have collaborated on intelligence gathering, anti-smuggling operations, the fight against illicit drug trafficking, arms proliferation and other organised crimes that threaten national security.

Beyond operational cooperation, both agencies have increasingly prioritised strategic communication as a tool for improving public confidence, countering misinformation and promoting transparency in their activities.

The renewed engagement between their public relations departments comes amid ongoing reforms across security institutions aimed at strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving information sharing and presenting a unified approach to public engagement.