The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged winner of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and International Public Relations Association of Golden World Award for public sector communication 2020.

The President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Muktar Zubairu, expressed delight while presenting the award to the Customs’ spokesperson, Mr Joseph Attah, in Abuja on Monday.

Zubairu said that the international organisations cited the customs’ aggressive sensitisation drive across the country during the ongoing border drill 2019.

He said that the action was a clear example of an agency keen in keeping the public abreast of its activities.

Zubairu said the bodies stated that the awards would have been presented in Rwanda and Germany but due to COVID-19, they had to send them to winning countries.

Attah described the recognition as an encouragement to be more selfless, committed and devoted to using effective communication to address economic, social and security challenges.

He said that the NCS under the leadership of Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) believed that Nigerians had the right to know what the service was doing, hence his support for the public relations unit.

“Specifically, NCS emerged winner for public affairs for its timely and effective response to the concern of stakeholders especially Rice Processors Association of Nigeria over smuggling of rice and the sharp drop after the commencement of border drill.

“This is largely because of public awareness campaigns and enforcement,” he said.

Also read:  Customs intercepts 73 locally manufactured guns, 891 cartridges in Kebbi

The Customs Command and Staff College also won an award for its feat on training of personnel from Security and Emergency Management Association of Nigeria.