The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria has honoured the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CSC Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola, with the “Most Articulate & Strategic Customs Image Maker of the Year 2026” award.
The recognition was presented at AMJON’s 2026 Annual Conference and Awards, where maritime stakeholders gathered to celebrate excellence and professionalism across the sector.
Presenting the award, AMJON officials commended Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola for his outstanding contributions to public communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement within the NCS. They noted that his strategic approach to information dissemination and crisis communication has significantly enhanced the public image of Customs operations, particularly within the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
According to the association, the award reflects his consistency in delivering clear, timely, and accurate information, as well as his role in bridging the gap between the Service and the trading public.
Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola, who joined the NCS in 2011 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, has built a strong career in public relations and strategic communication.
Over the years, he has served as Command Public Relations Officer in the Oyo/Osun and Kano/Jigawa Area Commands before his current posting in Lagos.
Born on October 10, 1984, he hails from Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. He began his education at Staff Nursery and Primary School, Ijanikin, and later attended Egan High School, Lagos.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Lagos State University and an Executive MBA from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Abdullahi-Lagos Abiola has participated in several professional training programmes aimed at strengthening his expertise in media relations and strategic communication.
In his response, the award recipient expressed appreciation to AMJON for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to further enhance professionalism and transparency in the discharge of his duties. He reaffirmed his commitment to effective communication and stakeholder engagement in support of the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate.
The award highlights the growing importance of strategic communication in the maritime sector, particularly as agencies adopt reforms and digital innovations to improve efficiency and service delivery.
