Customs Boss Rallies Support for Completion of NIPR Public Relations Place Ahead of World Forum

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called on public relations professionals, corporate organisations and friends of the profession to support the completion of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) national secretariat project, the iconic Public Relations Place, ahead of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to hold in Nigeria this November.

The landmark structure, strategically located within the premises of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Radio House in Abuja, is expected to serve as a permanent symbol of the growing influence and institutional strength of the public relations profession in Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site on Wednesday, Adeniyi, tbe immediate past Vice President and Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, described the project as a collective professional responsibility and a legacy that practitioners must proudly identify with.

According to him, the profession has opened doors of opportunity for many Nigerians and now represents a platform deserving of reinvestment and loyalty from those who have benefitted from it.

“NIPR has done so much for practitioners. It has given many of us visibility, credibility, opportunities and platforms to serve. In many ways, this profession has helped shape our journeys and institutions.

“This is the moment to give back to the profession that has given us so much. Every practitioner should be proud to identify with this project because Public Relations Place is not just a building; it is a statement about who we are and what we stand for as professionals,” he stated.

The Customs boss further appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and stakeholders across sectors to demonstrate solidarity by contributing towards the completion of the project.

“As Nigeria prepares to host the World Public Relations Forum this November, completing this edifice will be a remarkable gift from Nigeria to the global public relations community,” he added.

Adeniyi commended members and supporters of the Institute who have already contributed to the project, while stressing that greater collaboration is still required to deliver the structure before the global event.

In his remarks, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba-Ndace, praised the Customs CG for remaining deeply connected to his professional roots despite the demands of public office.

He described Adeniyi as a humble and exemplary professional whose leadership style continues to inspire younger practitioners, noting that his accomplishments at Customs further demonstrate the strategic value of public relations in leadership and national governance.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama, reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to the project, stressing that NIPR occupies a critical place in Nigeria’s development architecture.

“We are proud to host this important national institution here at Radio Nigeria. NIPR remains a strategic institution in the development of this country,” he said.

Bulama expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the project and voiced confidence that the structure would be completed in record time ahead of the global gathering.

Earlier, the Vice President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Emmanuel Dandaura, who received the delegation in his capacity as chairman of the National Secretariat building committee said the visit formed part of the Institute’s commitment to transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that part of the funds currently driving the project came from a reception dinner organised by the Institute in honour of the Customs CG last year.

“As an Institute, we place strong value on accountability and transparency. Therefore the President and Chairman of Council Dr Ike Neliaku directed that we invite the Comptroller-General to see firsthand how the resources contributed so far are being utilised.

“By the grace of God, this structure will be fully ready before November when Nigeria hosts the world for the World Public Relations Forum,” Prof Dandaura stated.

Those present at the site tour include Registrar of NIPR, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue; Council Members – Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Hajia Maryam Sanusi and Mrs. Olubunmi Badejo.

Others are, the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa, Sir Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup; Member of Building Committee, Prof. Uche Mbanaso; Fellows Joe Itah, Eberechukwu Emeribe and Moji Makanjuola; Mrs. Fatima Agnes Musa; Secretary, Building Committee, Mrs. Chidinma Awak and Chairman Creative Committee WPRF, Dr. Tope Ojeme.