Maiwada, who received the executive members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) at the NCS National Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, August 31, 2026, said effective communication remained central to the success of the reforms being implemented by the Service.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Maiwada explained that the NCS had continued to explore modern communication channels, including its monthly newsletter, social media platforms and data analytics, to ensure that the public remained informed about its policies, reforms and achievements.
“In every reform, communication must be embedded to achieve the desired result,” he said.
The Customs spokesperson also highlighted the Service’s growing involvement in the creative industry, citing Beyond the Badge and the 79-episode movie series Novera as examples of innovative communication initiatives.
According to him, the projects are generating revenue for the Service while also creating employment opportunities within the entertainment industry.
Maiwada further disclosed plans to expand the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN) to Lagos and announced the Service’s intention to pursue corporate membership of ACSPN.
He also encouraged Public Relations officers within the Service to become members of the association to strengthen their professional capacity and pursue further academic development.
Earlier, the President of ACSPN, Professor Rotimi Williams Olatunji, commended Maiwada for his continued support for the association, describing the proposed partnership with the Customs Service as a welcome development.
Olatunji pledged the association’s readiness to support Customs personnel seeking higher academic and professional qualifications.
“When communication scholars are given the opportunity to lead organisations, they excel because they remain conscious of public needs, sensibilities, and sensitivities,” he said.
At a joint press briefing, Olatunji also announced ACSPN’s 2026 National Conference, themed “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruptions and Dynamics of Communication.”
He said the conference would examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence, social media and digital platforms on political communication ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Olatunji called for stronger collaboration between communication scholars and media practitioners to promote fact-based reporting and combat misinformation, disinformation and AI-manipulated content, including deepfakes.
He urged media organisations to institutionalise fact-checking mechanisms to help citizens navigate the increasingly complex digital information environment.
The visit ended with a guided tour of key facilities at the NCS headquarters, including the ICT/Modernisation Department and the NCBN studios, where the delegation was briefed on the Service’s digital operations and media strategy.