The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has thrown its weight behind Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) quest to successfully host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Highlighting the impact of strategic communication towards the success of key reforms being implemented by NCS, the service said it will not relent in its support for NIPR.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi made this commitment on when a delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, alongside the President of NIPR and Chairman of Council, Ike Neliaku, visited him at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja recently.
A statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada quoted the CGC using the engagement to speak on some of the major reforms undertaken by NCS, including B’Odogwu, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Advance Ruling.
He noted that the measures were part of efforts to improve NCS processes, provide greater predictability for legitimate traders and strengthen the relationship between the service and its stakeholders.
Adeniyi’s words: “The Nigeria Customs Service recognised the importance of the World Public Relations Forum and its potential to bring global attention to responsible communication, institutional trust and effective public service. And, I want to assure you of the Service’s support for the forthcoming event and its commitment to contributing to its success.”
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Green spoke on the significance of the forum, adding that hosting WPRF 2026 in Nigeria will be a significant achievement for the country and the public relations profession in Africa.
Green also said the forum would provide a global platform to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, communication industry and innovative approaches to public relations, while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing, professional collaboration and dialogue on the future of communication.
Continuing, he said: “We are expecting all the 126 member countries of the Global Alliance to grace this forum.”
Neliaku had earlier stated that NIPR was engaging key institutions and stakeholders ahead of the forum because their participation and support are vital to the success of the international gathering.
While describing NIPR’s ambition for the Abuja forum as delivering the “best, biggest, and brightest” World Public Relations Forum, with Nigeria demonstrating its capacity to host a major global professional event, the NIPR President also said: “The WPRF will be held in Abuja from 15 to 21 November 2026, under the theme, ‘Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
