By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda by streamlining processes that will aid the swift importation of essential food items.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized this commitment during the launch of a new book, "Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management," on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. The book, produced by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, sheds light on the CGC's modern public relations strategies.
CGC Adeniyi highlighted the critical role of the Customs Service in ensuring food security by easing import procedures to reduce costs and lower consumer prices.
He noted that these efforts align with the government's broader strategy to expand agricultural production and mitigate food security challenges.
Adeniyi revealed that the government's plan includes the cultivation of over 10 million hectares of land, aiming not only to bolster food security but also to capitalize on the nation's vast arable land, of which only 40% is currently utilized.
The Custom Boss disclosed that the Federal Government has temporarily removed tariffs and import duties on key staples such as rice, wheat, maize, and sorghum for six months, as part of its immediate response to the rising cost of food.
Adeniyi underscored the pivotal role of the Customs Service in safeguarding Nigeria's international trade and supporting agricultural productivity.
He reiterated the potential for significant agricultural expansion, citing a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) that highlights Nigeria's 84 million hectares of arable land, with substantial opportunities for growth.
The CGC also commended Image Merchants Promotion Limited for their contribution to public relations within the Nigeria Customs Service through the publication of the book.
The representative of the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tope Fasua a Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Economy, chaired the event.
He spoke on the theme, "Leveraging Effective Communication for Revenue Generation and Economic Development," praising the consistency and impact of Image Merchants Promotion Limited's work in research and investigative journalism.
The Vice President lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its essential role in protecting national borders and enhancing the economy, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in public service.
Yushau Shauib, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi's exceptional leadership and his ability to foster strong relationships with the media, which was a key inspiration for the book.
The event attracted a range of distinguished guests, including members of the NCS Management Team, public relations experts, and industry leaders, who shared valuable insights on the significance of communication in advancing public service objectives.
