By ZAKAA LAZARUS
As part of ongoing efforts to deepen public engagement and enhance understanding of its core mandates, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has played host to students of International Relations from Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), for an educational excursion to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, facilitated by the Public Relations Unit of the Service, provided the students with first-hand insight into the operations, structure, and strategic functions of the NCS within the context of international trade and border management.
Receiving the students on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the students and delivered an informative session on the Service’s statutory responsibilities, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.
While addressing the students, Maiwada noted the significance of such engagements in building bridges between institutions and the next generation of leaders. According to him, “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to promoting knowledge sharing, and pubic trust. Engaging with students of international relations is vital because the future of Customs and global trade lies in the strength of informed partnerships and cross-sector understanding.”
He also elaborated on the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic alignment with global customs standards through its collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO). He emphasised the significance of Customs-to-Customs cooperation and inter-agency synergy, particularly as it relates to international diplomacy and global trade governance.
A major highlight of the visit was an interactive question-and-answer session, during which the students explored the practical applications of international relations in Customs operations. Discussions also featured Nigeria’s implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a flagship trade facilitation initiative that enhances compliance and security in the supply chain.
In furtherance of the experience, the Deputy National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali, led the students on a guided tour of critical departments and units within the Customs Headquarters. The tour featured demonstrations of modern digital platforms and tools deployed by the Service to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and cross-border cooperation.
