ABUJA — The Nigeria Customs Service has agreed to strengthen ties with communication scholars and professionals to improve its media and digital outreach.

On Monday, 31 August, the executive members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, visited the Customs headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on collaboration in media, digital communication and staff training.

‎The Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, received the delegation on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi. He said communication is key to every reform and highlighted Customs’ newsletter, social media, and data analytics as major tools.

Maiwada also spoke on Customs’ work with the creative industry. He cited the movie ‘Beyond the Badge’ and the 79-episode series ‘Novera’, which he said are generating revenue and creating jobs. He added that the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network will be expanded to Lagos.

‎He further announced that the Service will pursue corporate membership of ACSPN. Customs Public Relations officers will also be encouraged to join the association.

‎ACSPN President, Professor Rotimi Williams Olatunji, welcomed the partnership. He pledged the association’s support for Customs personnel seeking higher academic and professional qualifications. He said communication experts understand public needs and can help organisations perform better.

‎At a joint briefing, ACSPN announced its 2026 National Conference. The theme is “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruptions and Dynamics of Communication.” The conference will look at AI, social media and digital platforms ahead of the 2027 elections. Olatunji urged media houses to strengthen fact-checking to fight misinformation and deepfakes.

The visit ended with a tour of the ICT and Modernisation Department and the NCBN studios. Both sides said the new partnership will help Customs communicate better and support professional growth in Nigeria’s media space.