The Nigeria Customs Service NCS,has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja aimed at improving media understanding of its ongoing Trade Modernisation Project and broader institutional reforms.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Media Knowledge and Understanding of Customs Modernisation Project,” brought together journalists from various media organisations across the country to deepen awareness of the Service’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, said the media plays a vital role in the success of ongoing reforms within the Service.
According to him, the rapid pace of reforms within the Customs Service has made it necessary for stakeholders, especially journalists, to fully understand the objectives and expected impact of the transformation process.
“A lot is happening within the Service, and sometimes it may be difficult for stakeholders to keep pace with the speed of these developments. That is why engagements like this have become necessary,” Bomodi said.
He described the Trade Modernisation Project as one of the most strategic reforms being implemented by the Service, noting that it is designed to eliminate inefficiencies, simplify trade procedures and create a predictable business environment.
“The Trade Modernisation Project sits at the centre of our transformation journey. Through digital platforms, automation of procedures, and systems integration, we are building a Customs administration that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive,” he added.
Bomodi further stressed that public understanding remains critical to the success of institutional reforms, adding that the media serves as a bridge between government institutions and the public.
“When change happens, stakeholders must understand not just what is changing, but why it is changing. That is where the media becomes indispensable,” he stated.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said the workshop was specifically designed to equip journalists with practical knowledge of the modernisation project and other reforms within the Service.
“In this era of global trade and technological advancement, it has become necessary to carry critical stakeholders, particularly the media, along in this journey of transformation,” Maiwada said.
He noted that beyond infrastructure and technology, the success of Customs modernisation largely depends on accurate public communication and informed reportage.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Ahmad Ogunsola, encouraged participants to actively engage during the sessions and seek clarification on all aspects of the project.
“Our objective is to answer as many questions as possible and ensure that by the end of this engagement, participants leave with a deeper understanding of the project and its impact on trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ogunsola said.
Senior officials present at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, and the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu.
Participants were also taken through technical sessions by resource persons, including Deputy Comptroller Nafi’u Salihu, who delivered a presentation on the Integrated Non-Intrusive Inspection System, as well as Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi and other senior officers of the Service.