…Students Gain Practical Mentorship, Real-World Experience

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic communication by exposing students and young public relations practitioners to practical industry experience through mentorship and professional engagement at its Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference, held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, featured a mentorship-focused panel session that brought together academics, communication professionals and students from tertiary institutions across Rivers State. This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada.

The panel, moderated by the Head of Station of the Nigeria Customs Service Broadcasting Network, Amina Yuguda, included Chief Superintendent of Customs Luqman Abdullahi-Lagos and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun. Students and scholars from Rivers State University, the University of Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic participated in the session.

The discussants emphasised the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice through mentorship, simulation exercises and role-play designed to equip aspiring public relations practitioners with practical skills for today’s communication environment.

Speaking during the session, the National Public Relations Officer and Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, said effective public relations must go beyond information dissemination to nurturing future leaders capable of sustaining public confidence in institutions.

He urged young officers and students to embrace character, competence, clarity, consistency and cost-consciousness as the core values required for career growth and professional excellence.

“Effective public relations must extend beyond information dissemination to mentoring future leaders built on character, competence, and clarity,” Maiwada said.

The conference also featured practical masterclasses where senior Customs officers showcased ongoing reforms as learning models for participants.

Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Usman Idris explained how strategic stakeholder engagement and media campaigns supported the successful implementation of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, while Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Joseph Adejoh highlighted the role of transparency and early stakeholder engagement in implementing the Advanced Ruling System and the One-Stop Shop initiative.

Participants also received hands-on training from the NCS Headquarters Social Media Team on digital communication strategies, audience analytics and proactive online reputation management.

According to the organisers, the conference forms part of the Service’s efforts to build a modern, adaptable and forward-looking public relations workforce capable of strengthening public trust and supporting ongoing institutional reforms.