The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja, aimed at deepening 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 diverse media organisations across the country.
Declaring the workshop open 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, underscored the critical role of the media in driving the success of Customs reforms.
“The pace of reforms within the Service has made it necessary for stakeholders, especially journalists, to fully understand the purpose, direction, and expected impact of the ongoing transformation,” DCG Bomodi stated.
He described the Trade Modernisation Project as a strategic reform initiative designed to eliminate inefficiencies, simplify trade procedures, and create a more predictable business environment.
“Through digital platforms, automation of procedures, and systems integration, we are building a Customs administration that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive,” he added.
Media as a Bridge for Public Understanding
DCG Bomodi stressed that reforms of such magnitude cannot succeed without public understanding, noting that the media serves as the bridge between institutions and the people.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, DC Abdullahi Maiwada, explained that the workshop was deliberately designed to equip journalists with practical knowledge of the modernisation project and wider reforms.
“Beyond infrastructure and technology, the success of Customs modernisation depends largely on accurate public communication and informed reportage,” Maiwada said.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Executive Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Ahmad Ogunsola, encouraged participants to engage openly and seek clarity on every aspect of the project.
“Our objective is to answer as many questions as possible and ensure that participants leave with a deeper understanding of the project and its impact on trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ogunsola remarked.
Attendance and Technical Sessions
Members of the Customs Management Team present included DCG Oluyomi Adebakin (ICT/Modernisation) and ACG Muhammad Shu’aibu (Headquarters). Resource persons such as DC Nafi’u Salihu, who presented on the Integrated Non-Intrusive Inspection System, and AC Bukola Omoniyi, led technical sessions.
The training, which began on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, will conclude on Saturday, May 9, 2026.