The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing as part of efforts to improve institutional effectiveness, boost public confidence and support Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The renewed commitment was reached during a meeting between the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, and the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police Anietie Okokon, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Customs Service on Thursday, the meeting formed part of the police spokesperson’s familiarisation tour following his recent appointment. It also provided both agencies with an opportunity to review their long-standing relationship and identify new areas of cooperation, especially in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.
The Customs Service said the engagement underscored the growing importance of coordinated communication among security agencies at a time when public confidence, accurate information and timely responses to security-related issues have become essential to effective governance.
The meeting also coincided with the induction of 70 officers and personnel of the NCS Public Relations Unit into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a development the Service described as another step towards improving professionalism, ethical conduct and competence in government communication.
Speaking during the visit, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the relationship between Customs and the Police as one that has continued to play an important role in strengthening public engagement and institutional credibility.
According to him, effective communication has become a key part of modern security operations because it helps citizens understand government policies, promotes transparency and builds trust between security agencies and the public.
“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 said.
He also commended the Nigeria Police Force for encouraging stronger cooperation among public communication professionals across government institutions.
According to him, such engagements provide an opportunity for agencies to exchange ideas, improve coordination and develop common strategies for communicating government policies and security initiatives to the public.
Maiwada added that stronger communication between security agencies would also improve stakeholder confidence and help government institutions present clear, accurate and consistent information, especially during security operations and national emergencies.
Responding, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Okokon, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to strengthening cooperation with sister security agencies in ways that promote professionalism, transparency and public trust.
He said his visit was aimed at reinforcing the existing relationship between the Police and the Customs Service while creating new opportunities for collaboration in public communication and information management.
“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,” Okokon said.
The Customs Service noted that the meeting reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to deepen inter-agency cooperation beyond operational activities.
According to the Service, effective communication and coordinated information management have become increasingly important in modern security administration because they help agencies respond more effectively to public concerns, combat misinformation and maintain public confidence.
The NCS explained that collaboration among security agencies is no longer limited to joint operations but now extends to sharing information, coordinating public messaging and ensuring that accurate information reaches Nigerians promptly.
The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force are two of Nigeria’s major law enforcement institutions with complementary responsibilities in protecting the country.
While the Police are primarily responsible for maintaining internal security, enforcing criminal laws and protecting lives and property, the Customs Service oversees border security, trade facilitation, revenue collection and the prevention of smuggling.
Over the years, both agencies have worked closely on intelligence gathering and joint operations targeting transnational crimes. Their collaboration has contributed to the interception of illegal arms, illicit drugs, smuggled goods and other contraband entering or leaving the country through land borders, seaports and airports.
Both organisations have also partnered in tackling organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, financial crimes, fuel smuggling and other activities that threaten Nigeria’s economy and national security.
In recent years, the Federal Government has continued to encourage stronger cooperation among security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and eliminate duplication of efforts.
The renewed partnership between the public relations departments of the Customs Service and the Police also comes at a time when security institutions are placing greater emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Government agencies have increasingly recognised that regular public communication helps citizens understand ongoing reforms, security operations and government policies while reducing rumours and misinformation.
The induction of 70 Customs public relations personnel into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is also seen as part of broader reforms aimed at improving professional standards in government communication.
Membership of the institute requires adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards, which are expected to strengthen the quality of information provided to the public.
As Nigeria continues to face security challenges ranging from smuggling and organised crime to terrorism and other cross-border offences, officials believe stronger collaboration among security agencies will remain critical.