CALABAR— The newly appointed Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Nkiruka Ijeoma Nwala, has pledged an open-door policy and closer collaboration with the media.
Nwala made the commitment on Wednesday during a meet-and-greet with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River Council, and other journalists in Calabar.
She described the media as vital stakeholders in the work of the Customs Service, saying journalists help communicate the agency’s mandates and improve public understanding of its roles in border security, revenue generation and the fight against smuggling.
“As I settle into the responsibilities of this command, one of my priorities is to build and sustain meaningful relationships with our stakeholders, and I certainly do not intend to leave the media out of that cycle,” she said.
“I want you to know that you are my friend in this command, my doors are always open, and I look forward to an atmosphere where we can engage freely, share ideas, seek clarifications, and work together in the interests of the public we all serve.”
Nwala added that while the Service expects fair and balanced reporting, it also has a duty to make credible information accessible to journalists.
She expressed the hope that the media would partner with the command in telling the Customs story and helping the public appreciate its contributions to national development.
The Acting Area Controller said she prioritised the meeting despite earlier official engagements and described it as the beginning of a sustained working relationship.
She conveyed the greetings of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting his background in public relations within the Service.
In his response, the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Archibong Bassey, welcomed Nwala and assured the command of the union’s support.
Bassey commended the efforts of Customs officers in securing the state’s extensive borders and pledged continued positive coverage of the command’s activities.
Nwala joined the Nigeria Customs Service in February 2009 as a Cadet General Duty Officer and rose to the rank of Deputy Comptroller in 2025. She has served in several formations, including Apapa, Tin Can Island Port and Zone A Headquarters. She holds a Ph.D in Educational Psychology.
