By Suleiman Aremu |Solaremnews | Thursday 24, September, 2026
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged the support of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), stressing the importance of strategic communication in advancing reforms and strengthening public trust in institutions.
Adeniyi made the commitment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 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 and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
The visit was part of engagements with key institutions and stakeholders ahead of the global public relations forum, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
During the engagement, the CGC highlighted the role of effective communication in the implementation and public acceptance of major reforms by the Service.
He identified initiatives including B’Odogwu, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Advance Ruling as some of the reforms being implemented by the NCS to improve Customs processes, enhance predictability for legitimate traders and deepen engagement with stakeholders.
According to him, strategic communication remains important to ensuring that stakeholders understand the objectives and benefits of such reforms, while also strengthening institutional trust and improving the relationship between the Service and the business community.
Adeniyi said the NCS recognised the significance of the World Public Relations Forum and its potential to draw global attention to responsible communication, institutional trust and effective public service.
“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,” he said.
The CGC’s position underscores the growing relevance of communication in public-sector reform, particularly in an environment where government agencies are implementing changes that directly affect businesses, investors and members of the public.
The 2026 WPRF is expected to bring together public relations and communication professionals, policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders from different parts of the world to deliberate on contemporary issues shaping the communication profession.
Speaking on the importance of hosting the forum in Nigeria, Professor Justin Green described the event as a significant achievement for the country and the public relations profession in Africa.
Green said the forum would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, communication industry and innovative approaches to public relations to a global audience.
He added that the event would create opportunities for knowledge-sharing, professional collaboration and dialogue on the future of communication.
“We are expecting all the 126 member countries of the Global Alliance to grace this forum,” Green said.
The participation of representatives from the Global Alliance’s member countries is expected to give the Abuja forum an international character while providing a platform for professionals from different regions to exchange experiences and perspectives on the evolving communication landscape.
Earlier, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Ike Neliaku, said the Institute had commenced engagements with key institutions and stakeholders in preparation for the forum.
Neliaku explained that the involvement and support of major institutions were essential to delivering a successful international gathering and ensuring that Nigeria takes advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to host a major global professional event.
He said the NIPR’s ambition was to make the Abuja edition the “best, biggest, and brightest” World Public Relations Forum.
Neliaku disclosed that the 2026 WPRF would hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21 under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
The forum is expected to place Nigeria at the centre of global conversations on public relations and strategic communication, while providing opportunities for professionals and institutions to examine emerging trends, challenges and opportunities within the communication sector.
For the Nigeria Customs Service, its involvement also provides an opportunity to highlight how communication is being deployed alongside institutional and technological reforms to improve service delivery, promote stakeholder understanding and strengthen confidence in the Customs administration.
The NCS has in recent years placed increased emphasis on stakeholder engagement and communication as part of its broader reform agenda, with initiatives such as B’Odogwu, AEO and Advance Ruling aimed at improving the trading environment and making Customs procedures more predictable for compliant businesses.
The Service’s pledge of support therefore adds another major institutional partner to preparations for the November global gathering, as organisers continue engagements with stakeholders ahead of the event.
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