The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun a two-day training for journalists on its Trade Modernisation Project.
The training, themed ‘Enhancing Media Knowledge, Awareness and Understanding of Customs Modernisation,’ was organised in partnership with its concessionaire, the Trade Modernisation Project Limited.
SolaceBase reports that the project is a 20-year concession, with the execution agreement signed on May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd.
Speaking at the opening, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, said the training was designed to strengthen journalists’ understanding of the agency’s reforms and enhance effective reporting on them.
The C-G, represented by Timi Bomodi, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, described the engagement as necessary in the rapidly evolving global trade environment.
Adeniyi said that the situation has led to many innovations, including the trade modernisation project, which required public understanding.
According to him, the trade modernisation project represents a comprehensive and technology-driven initiative designed to overhaul NCS processes, eliminate inefficiencies and create a more predictable trading environment.
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He, however, said that while infrastructure and technology were critical, they were not sufficient for the project’s success without stakeholder understanding.
“The success of any reform of this magnitude depends significantly on stakeholder understanding, acceptance and participation.
“This is why the role of the media is indispensable. As key partners in national development, the media serve as a bridge between institutions and the public” he said.
He described the media as critical in shaping narratives, influencing perception and providing the platform through which policies and reforms were interpreted and understood.
He underscored the importance of journalists being well-informed, properly equipped and actively engaged in the service reforms.
The C-G said the workshop had been carefully structured to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of the TMP, its objectives, operational framework, expected outcomes and broader impact on trade facilitation and economic growth.
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“We expect that the insights gained here will enhance the quality of reportage, promote factual accuracy and foster constructive public discourse around customs reforms,” he said.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, also addressed participants during the opening ceremony.
He said the workshop was designed to deepen media understanding of the Trade Modernisation Project.
Additionally, he noted that accurate reporting will strengthen public confidence in Customs reforms.
