BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged its support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), stressing the importance of strategic communication in driving institutional reforms and strengthening public trust.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when a delegation from the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) visited him at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance, Professor Justin Green, and the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku.
Adeniyi used the engagement to highlight some of the major reforms being implemented by the Service, including B’Odogwu, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Advance Ruling.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to improve Customs processes, provide greater predictability for legitimate businesses and strengthen engagement between the Service and its stakeholders.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service 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.
“I want to assure you of the Service’s support for the forthcoming event and its commitment to contributing to its success,” Adeniyi said.
Speaking on the forum, Green said hosting WPRF 2026 in Nigeria would be a significant achievement for the country and the public relations profession in Africa.
He said the event would provide an international platform for Nigeria to showcase its cultural heritage, communication industry and innovative approaches to public relations, while promoting 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.
Earlier, Neliaku said the NIPR had been engaging key institutions and stakeholders in preparation for the international gathering, noting that their participation and support were critical to its success.
He said the Institute was determined to make the Abuja edition the “best, biggest, and brightest” World Public Relations Forum, while demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to host a major global professional event.
Neliaku disclosed that the forum would hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
