The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been honored with the Golden World Award (GWA) for Crisis Communication by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). The award recognizes the NCS’s exemplary public relations initiatives and was presented during a ceremony on October 18, 2024, at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia.
Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi accepted the award on behalf of the NCS, acknowledging the success of the campaign titled “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service.” He emphasized the campaign’s effectiveness in tackling critical challenges during his initial 100 days in office. “The campaign was about crisis communication,” Adeniyi stated, noting its recognition as the best in addressing its challenges and achieving positive outcomes.
The NCS campaign excelled in the Crisis Management category, demonstrating its capability to navigate operational difficulties effectively. The initiative led to improved collaboration with key stakeholders, enhanced border security measures, and significant increases in revenue generation.
Philip Sheppard, Secretary-General of IPRA, commended Adeniyi’s leadership, crediting it as pivotal to the campaign’s success. He noted that the campaign not only strengthened stakeholder collaboration but also instilled a renewed sense of optimism within the organization.
The Golden World Awards, established in 1990, celebrate excellence in public relations across various categories. The recognition of the NCS underscores its commitment to aligning with international communication and governance standards. By utilizing strategic public relations, the NCS has increased awareness and compliance with customs reforms while reinforcing its role in national security and economic development.
Looking forward, the NCS has declared 2024 the “Year of Stakeholders.” Comptroller-General Adeniyi reiterated the Service’s commitment to maintaining open communication with its partners, emphasizing the importance of addressing the concerns of all stakeholders engaged with the Nigeria Customs Service.
