The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, on Monday called on public relations officers in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to sharpen their communication skills and embrace digital tools to strengthen the agency’s image and build public trust.
Adeniyi, represented by acting Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, spoke at a one-day workshop for customs public relations officers held at Bayero University, Kano. The programme was themed “The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholders’ Trust.”
“PR officers are playing a vital role in interpreting and contextualising institutional actions, building trust, promoting transparency, and addressing misinformation,” Adeniyi said. “They must be agile, tech-savvy, and adept at using modern tools to shape public discourse in the digital age.”
He added that effective communication was critical for promoting accountability and strengthening relations with the public.
Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Haruna Musa, described the initiative as “timely and essential” for refining public relations strategies within institutions.
Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, also praised the event, calling it “a crucial step toward strengthening the public relations profession.”
Organisers said the workshop sought to challenge outdated perceptions of PR officers and underline their evolving responsibilities in policy development, reputation management, crisis handling, and stakeholder engagement.
