The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s food security initiative, focusing on streamlining processes to facilitate the swift importation of essential food items. This commitment was emphasized by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, during the launch of the book “Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management” on Tuesday, 13th August 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The book, authored by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, highlights the CGC’s progressive public relations strategies and coincided with the 2nd Economic Confidential Annual Lecture. During the event, CGC Adeniyi underscored the Customs Service’s dedication to addressing food security challenges through targeted measures aimed at intensifying agricultural production.
“In line with our earlier highlighted vast agricultural potential, the government is actively providing incentives to farmers to increase food production, among other measures,” Adeniyi stated. He also noted the government’s ambitious target to cultivate over 10 million hectares of land for food production, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant arable land, of which only 40% is currently cultivated.
In response to the immediate challenge of high food prices, Adeniyi revealed that the Federal Government has removed tariffs and other import duties on key staples such as rice, wheat, maize, and sorghum for six months. This move aims to reduce costs, lower consumer prices, and secure the nation’s food supply.
Adeniyi further highlighted the critical role of the Customs Service as the gatekeeper of Nigeria’s international trade, emphasizing the need to streamline processes to support agricultural production and ensure food security.
The event also featured remarks from Tope Fasua, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Economy, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima. Fasua, who served as Chairman of the occasion, spoke on the theme “Leveraging Effective Communication for Revenue Generation and Economic Development.” He praised Image Merchants Promotion Limited for their consistency in research and investigative journalism, and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its contributions to the economy through effective public relations management.
Yushau Shauib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, expressed deep appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s exceptional leadership and his commitment to transparent and effective public relations within the Customs Service. Shauib also explained that the book was published as a tribute to Adeniyi’s transformative leadership.
The book launch was attended by distinguished guests, including members of the NCS Management Team, public relations stakeholders, and industry experts who discussed the importance of effective communication in public service.
