Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria’s worsening food inflation crisis is no longer just an economic issue it is increasingly becoming a communication challenge. This was the central focus at the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW), where the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and key stakeholders called for urgent, strategic communication to bridge the widening gap between government policies and public understanding of food security.
At the heart of the conversations in Kaduna was a critical question: can better communication help Nigeria tackle rising food prices and supply chain disruptions?
The week-long event, themed “Policy Making to Public Plate,” brought together policymakers, media professionals, and communication experts to explore how public messaging shapes citizens’ perception of government interventions, particularly in areas affecting daily survival such as food availability and affordability.
Held at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall in Kaduna, the event attracted high-level participation, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, alongside a wide range of stakeholders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
For the Nigeria Customs Service, the engagement was more than symbolic. With over 29 Public Relations Officers in attendance, the agency demonstrated a clear shift toward communication-driven governance, positioning itself not just as a revenue-generating institution but as a critical player in national food security.
Beyond Borders: Customs and the Food Security Debate
Traditionally associated with border control and revenue collection, the Nigeria Customs Service is now redefining its role within Nigeria’s economic ecosystem. At NPRW 2026, the agency emphasized that its operations directly impact food supply chains, import regulations, and ultimately, food prices in local markets.
This broader perspective reflects a growing realization that food security is deeply tied to trade facilitation, border efficiency, and policy transparency.
Speaking during a high-level panel session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted the often-overlooked role of communication in policy success or failure.
According to him, policies alone are not enough how they are communicated determines whether they will be accepted, understood, or resisted by the public.
“Even at the implementation stage of any policy, communication is critical,” Maiwada said. “Without clearly communicating these policies to the public, they may not achieve the desired impact.”
His remarks reflect a deeper institutional concern: many Nigerians remain disconnected from government policies not because the policies do not exist, but because they are not properly explained.
Food Inflation: More Than Economics
Across Nigeria, food prices have continued to rise sharply, driven by a complex mix of factors including insecurity in farming regions, climate change, high transportation costs, and disruptions in supply chains.
However, stakeholders at the NPRW argued that poor communication has worsened the situation by fueling misinformation, speculation, and distrust.
Panellists, including Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Food Security, Ambassador Bryiyne Chitsunge, and communication expert Agnes Bassey, pointed out that while structural challenges exist, the absence of clear and consistent communication often leaves citizens confused about government actions.
This confusion, they noted, creates room for rumors, panic buying, and negative public sentiment, all of which can indirectly worsen food inflation.
They stressed that Nigerians need not only policies but also clear explanations—what is being done, why it is being done, and how it will affect them.
The Trust Deficit Problem
One of the strongest themes that emerged from the conference was the growing trust deficit between government institutions and the public.
Stakeholders warned that without trust, even the most effective policies risk failure.
Maiwada emphasized that communication must go beyond announcements and press releases. Instead, it should be strategic, consistent, and tailored to different segments of the population.
He explained that when people understand policies and see their relevance, they are more likely to cooperate, comply, and support government initiatives.
This is particularly important in areas such as customs regulations, import controls, and border enforcement, where public cooperation plays a crucial role.
Media’s Role in Shaping the Narrative
The discussions at NPRW 2026 also placed significant responsibility on the media.
Participants called for more data-driven, balanced, and solution-oriented reporting on food security issues, warning against sensationalism that may distort public perception.
They emphasized that the media must act as a bridge between policymakers and the public, ensuring that information is accurate, accessible, and contextualized.
Stronger collaboration between government institutions and journalists was also identified as essential in building a more informed society.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Beyond the policy discussions, the Nigeria Customs Service used the platform to strengthen its internal communication structure.
The presence of over 29 Public Relations Officers highlighted the agency’s commitment to building a professional and coordinated communication network capable of responding to national challenges.
As part of the event, Maiwada hosted a dinner for PR officers at the B.A. Adeniyi Officers’ Mess in Kaduna, creating an informal space for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Senior officials, including Assistant Comptroller-General Nsika Umoh and Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan, attended the gathering, reinforcing the importance of unity and teamwork within the service.
In her remarks, ACG Umoh described the atmosphere as inspiring and reflective of a strong institutional culture, noting that such engagements are essential for improving operational effectiveness.
A Shift Toward Communication-Driven Governance
The Nigeria Customs Service’s strong participation at NPRW 2026 signals a broader shift in how government institutions approach governance.
There is a growing recognition that policies alone cannot solve national challenges without effective communication strategies to support them.
For a country like Nigeria, where economic pressures are high and public trust is fragile, communication is no longer optional it is essential.
What This Means for Nigerians
For ordinary Nigerians, the outcomes of these discussions could have real implications.
If communication improves, citizens may gain a clearer understanding of why food prices are rising, what government is doing to address the issue, and how they can adapt.
Better communication could also reduce panic, improve compliance with regulations, and foster a more cooperative relationship between citizens and institutions.
However, stakeholders warned that the real test lies in implementation.
The Bottom Line
As Nigeria continues to battle food inflation and economic uncertainty, one message from NPRW 2026 stands out clearly: solving the food security crisis will require more than policies it will require communication that informs, engages, and builds trust.
For the Nigeria Customs Service and other institutions, the challenge now is to turn these conversations into action.
Because in the end, the success of any policy is not just in its design but in how well it is understood by the people it is meant to serve.