By Joy Onu
In an effort to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have pledged closer collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the commitment was made during a meeting between Maiwada and the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The visit formed part of Okokon’s familiarisation tour following his assumption of office. Discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the public relations units of both agencies through improved stakeholder engagement, institutional communication and information sharing in support of national security.
Maiwada said the Customs Service values its long-standing relationship with the Police and expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between their public relations departments would enhance stakeholder confidence and support the effective communication of government policies.
“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,” he said.
Okokon said the Police remained committed to fostering productive relationships with sister agencies, noting that strategic communication has become indispensable to modern governance and security administration.
He said closer collaboration among public relations practitioners across government institutions would promote professionalism, transparency and effective communication in advancing national security objectives.
“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,” he said.
The meeting coincided with the induction of 70 personnel of the Customs Public Relations Unit into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a move aimed at promoting professionalism and ethical standards in public sector communication.
