The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the distinguished Golden World Award (GWA) for Crisis Communication from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
This recognition celebrates NCS’s exceptional efforts in public relations, with the award presented on October 18, 2024, at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, during a grand ceremony.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, accepted the award on behalf of the NCS from IPRA President Nataša Pavlović Bujas. The accolade acknowledged the NCS’s “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service” campaign, which played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s communication strategy during a challenging period.
During his speech at the event, Comptroller-General Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the campaign, reflecting on its ability to tackle critical issues in his first 100 days in office. He stated, “The campaign was about crisis communication. The entry submitted during this period was recognised as the best, from the perspective of addressing the campaign’s challenges, its impact, and the positive outcomes we have seen.”
The award-winning campaign excelled in the Crisis Management category, showcasing the NCS’s adeptness in navigating operational challenges at the time. Through the campaign, the NCS strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders, enhanced border security measures, and made notable progress in revenue generation. This proactive approach underscored the organization’s ability to adapt to crisis situations while maintaining its strategic goals.
Philip Sheppard, Secretary-General of IPRA, lauded Adeniyi’s leadership as a pivotal factor in the campaign’s success. He remarked, “Within just 100 days in office, the campaign led by Wale Adeniyi not only strengthened stakeholder collaboration and significantly improved border security but also resulted in a notable boost in revenue generation. Moreover, it instilled a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future within the organisation.”
The Golden World Awards, initiated in 1990, recognize excellence in public relations across various categories. The acknowledgment of the NCS’s campaign is a testament to the Service’s commitment to aligning its operations with international standards of communication and governance. By harnessing strategic public relations, the NCS has enhanced awareness and compliance with customs reforms while reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing national security and economic growth.
Looking ahead, the NCS has designated 2024 as the “Year of Stakeholders.” Comptroller-General Adeniyi reiterated the Service’s commitment to fostering open communication with its partners. He emphasized, “Our focus remains on strengthening our relationship with both traditional and new stakeholders through continued strategic communication efforts.” Adeniyi stressed the importance of engaging with stakeholders to understand and address their concerns, thereby ensuring a more responsive and collaborative approach within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adeniyi added that the award serves as a recognition of the NCS’s efforts to integrate impactful communication strategies into its operations, reflecting a new era of transparency and engagement with stakeholders.
