Nigeria Customs, Stakeholders Drive Communication Strategies on Food Security at NPRW 2026

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birin Kebbi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), alongside key stakeholders, has continued to advance conversations on food security, policy communication, and strategic stakeholder engagement at the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) held in Kaduna.

The event, themed “Policy Making to Public Plate,” commenced on April 19, 2026, at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall in Kaduna and was graced by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, and the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sanni CON. The event also attracted communication professionals, policymakers, media practitioners, and public relations experts across the country to deliberate on contemporary issues shaping food inflation and security.

The service recorded a strong presence at the week-long engagement, with over 29 customs public relations officers participating, reflecting the service’s commitment to strengthening institutional communication, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and advancing professional excellence in public relations practice.

A major highlight of the event was a high-level panel session focused on the role of strategic communication in addressing food inflation and shaping public understanding of government interventions on food security.

Speaking during the panel session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored the centrality of communication to policy formulation and implementation, particularly in trade facilitation and border management.

Maiwada asserted that, “Even at the implementation stage of any policy, communication is critical,” he said. “Without clearly communicating these policies to the public, they may not achieve the desired impact. People are more inclined to support policies when they are aware of how they impact them.

He further noted that effective communication remains essential for building trust, shaping perceptions, and ensuring that policy measures are understood and supported by the public, particularly in addressing complex issues such as food inflation and supply chain challenges.

Other panellists, including Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Food Security, Ambassador Bryiyne Chitsunge, and communication expert Agnes Bassey, identified climate change and insecurity as major drivers of food inflation, stressing that weak communication around these realities often fuels public misunderstanding and misinformation.

The session also highlighted the need for accurate, data-driven, and solution-orientated media reporting, while calling for stronger collaboration between government institutions and the media to promote balanced narratives on food security and national development.

As part of the event’s activities, the National Public Relations Officer hosted a dinner for public relations officers at the B.A. Adeniyi Officers’ Mess in Kaduna, which provides officers with an opportunity to unwind and strengthen camaraderie outside formal conference sessions.

The dinner was attended by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Zone B Headquarters, ACG Nsika Umoh, and the Comptroller of the Kaduna Customs Area Command, Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan, alongside officers participating in the conference.

In her remarks, ACG Umoh commended the unity and professional bond among officers in the Public Relations Unit, describing the atmosphere as inspiring and family-orientated.

Gov. Inuwa to NNDC: Reform Now or Fade Away, NSGF Chair Warns

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has called for urgent reforms at the New Nigeria Development Company, warning that the regional investment firm must reposition itself to address Northern Nigeria’s economic challenges or risk becoming irrelevant.

Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, who also chaired the Northern States Governors’ Forum, made the call at the end of a two-day retreat organised by NNDC’s board and management in Abuja.

Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House in Gombe, issued a statement on Friday.

Represented by the Director-General of the NSGF, Ezekiel Gomos, the governor said NNDC remains too strategic to the region’s economic future to continue operating below its potential.

He pointed to rising unemployment, economic hardship, insecurity and declining investor confidence as key challenges requiring immediate and coordinated action.

“The era of talk must give way to action,” he said, urging the company’s leadership to adopt reforms driven by efficiency, innovation and accountability.

Alhaji Yahaya said NNDC must rediscover its founding purpose as a catalyst for economic development in Northern Nigeria, rather than functioning as what he described as a passive legacy institution.

He added that shareholders expect commercially viable investments, growth-orientated strategies and improved returns, not internal disputes or recurring dependence on intervention funds.

The governor also urged the company to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy, including information and financial technology and innovation-driven enterprises.

He noted that millions of young people across the region possess untapped entrepreneurial potential, warning that failure to invest in technology-driven sectors would mean missing a critical opportunity for long-term growth.

Alhaji Yahaya further called for a “hard-nosed” reassessment of NNDC’s structure and operations, saying options such as restructuring, strategic partnerships, repositioning or divestiture should be considered where necessary.

He linked economic performance to regional stability, arguing that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without job creation and inclusive economic expansion.

“NNDC must evolve into a profit-driven institution capable of creating jobs, boosting productivity and restoring hope,” he said.

Other speakers at the retreat included Tanimu Yakubu, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former Group Managing Director of NNDC and ex-Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank.

Chairing a session on sustaining the vision of NNDC’s founders, Hayatu-Deen said difficult but necessary decisions would be required to reposition the company for future relevance.

Ooni to Adeleke: Fast-Track Ife Projects as Election Season Nears

By Lawal Sodiq, Osun

The Ooni, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Wednesday urged Ademola Adeleke to hasten the completion of key infrastructure projects in Ile-Ife, stressing their importance to economic growth and mobility in the ancient city.

The monarch made the call while receiving the governor at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where he also praised Adeleke’s leadership approach and offered prayers ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

A statement issued by the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the governor arrived with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, top officials, and political associates and was received by the Ooni alongside traditional rulers and dignitaries.

Speaking during the visit, Adeleke described the Ooni as a widely respected and charismatic royal figure, noting that his trip to Ile-Ife was part of ongoing efforts to evaluate projects and ensure effective service delivery to residents.

“I am pleased to visit Kabiyesi. This visit also allows us to inspect ongoing works, including major road constructions and the Lagere Flyover. Where necessary, contractors will be directed to speed up delivery timelines,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the Ooni commended Adeleke for what he described as a people-orientated style of governance, noting that development projects under his administration are visible across various parts of the state.

He, however, called for urgency in completing strategic projects in Ile-Ife, particularly the Lagere Flyover, which he described as critical to easing traffic congestion and stimulating economic activities across the Ife Federal Constituency.

“Lagere is a central hub for both economic and social activities. Its timely completion will greatly enhance movement and commerce. We appeal for faster progress on the project for the benefit of our people,” the monarch said.

Looking ahead to the governorship poll, Ooni also prayed for peaceful elections and urged political stakeholders to prioritise unity and stability in the state.

“As we approach another electoral cycle, I pray for peace and orderly conduct. May the state continue to progress, and may leaders remain committed to the welfare of the people,” he added.

The visit underscores growing collaboration between traditional institutions and the government in driving development and maintaining stability in the state, which is essential for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and addressing the needs of the community.