08/09/2026
Newsupdate: Customs Highlights B’Odogwu, Strategic Communication Reforms at ACSPN Conference By Igobasi Chris
The Nigeria Customs Service has highlighted the importance of strategic communication in driving institutional reforms, trade facilitation, revenue generation and stakeholder engagement.
The Service also spotlighted its B’Odogwu digital modernisation platform as a major component of its ongoing digital transformation agenda.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the 13th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, held at the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said effective communication was critical to the successful implementation of the Service's mandate.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Maiwada noted that the Service's responsibilities in trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling could not be effectively achieved without proper communication with stakeholders.
He described B’Odogwu as an important part of the Customs digital transformation programme, adding that the platform is attracting attention beyond Nigeria.
The Customs spokesman also highlighted the Service's “Town and Gown” initiative, aimed at strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and professional communication practice.
According to him, the initiative has already commenced at Bayero University, Kano, and in Port Harcourt, with plans to further deepen academia-Customs engagement in 2027.
Meanwhile, the ACSPN conference also examined the changing communication environment and the impact of emerging technologies on democracy and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ACSPN President, Professor Rotimi Olatunji, stressed the importance of informed citizens, credible media and transparent institutions in sustaining constitutional democracy.
A keynote presentation delivered on behalf of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Sani Adam, also highlighted emerging threats, including deepfakes, AI-generated content and candidate impersonation.
The development follows an earlier meeting on August 31, 2026, when the Nigeria Customs Service hosted the leadership of ACSPN at its National Headquarters in Abuja to discuss collaboration in digital communication, media engagement, professional development and stronger ties between academia and the Service.
The conference concluded with a dinner and award ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to communication scholarship and professional practice.
Credit: Facebook/Nigeria Customs Service
Reporting for MindBurst TV, I am Igobasi Chris.
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