*Nigeria Customs Service Opens Doors to Students*

By Lod Onyeji

The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated its commitment to youth engagement and professional development by hosting 400-level students of Mass Communication and Media Studies from Bingham University, Abuja. The visit, which took place at the Service's Headquarters in Maitama, was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical realities in the field of public relations.

*Bridging the Gap*

The students, led by Sebastian Abu, a senior lecturer and communication strategist, were given a tour of the PR Unit and introduced to the Service's communication strategies. Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer, highlighted the significance of strategic communication in shaping public trust, protecting national security, and facilitating economic stability. "Public relations within the Nigeria Customs Service goes far beyond what many perceive," Maiwada said. "Our duties include managing crisis communication, engaging stakeholders, protecting institutional integrity, and ensuring that information flow supports national objectives."

*A Dynamic Profession*

Maiwada emphasized the importance of continuous learning, digital engagement, and crisis communication in modern public relations practice. He urged the students to remain teachable as they transition into the professional world, noting that communication is a dynamic profession that evolves with technology and global realities.

*A Strategic Knowledge Exchange*

Abu praised the Customs PR team for maintaining professionalism in public engagement, describing the visit as "a strategic knowledge exchange between gown and town." The students, who are preparing to graduate, shared their fields of aspirations and expressed appreciation to the Customs Service for the experience, describing the engagement as inspiring and timely.

*A Valuable Experience*

The visit afforded the students the opportunity to tour the PR Unit, interact with officers managing content production, and explore digital tools used to promote the image of the Service. They also viewed in-house documentary productions and observed media strategies used to address crisis situations. The experience has undoubtedly provided the students with valuable insights into the practical applications of public relations in a security institution.