Advances in Government Policy and Regulatory Communication: Nigeria Customs Service Perspective
Main Article Content
Abstract
Effective communication is central to the success of government policy implementation and regulatory enforcement, particularly in complex governance systems such as Nigeria. This paper explores the advances in government policy and regulatory communication from the perspective of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a key agency responsible for trade facilitation and revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and implementation of government fiscal policies. Drawing on contemporary scholarly literature and practical case studies, the paper examines how the NCS has increasingly adopted strategic communication tools, such as digital platforms, stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and media framing, to improve transparency, facilitate compliance, and enhance institutional credibility. It highlights key initiatives, including the implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), the border closure policy, and the ongoing trade modernisation project, as evidence of the agency’s evolving communication practices. The paper also discusses the challenges that continue to undermine effective regulatory communication, including policy inconsistency, infrastructural constraints, misinformation, and limited professional communication capacity. The paper concludes that while significant progress has been made, sustained improvement in regulatory communication within the NCS requires institutional reforms, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and the professionalisation of communication functions to foster inclusive, accountable, and efficient public governance.
Article Details
How to Cite
Maiwada, A. A. (2025). Advances in Government Policy and Regulatory Communication: Nigeria Customs Service Perspective. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 5(3), 175-190. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v5i3.1340
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Articles
References
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Ajayi, J. O., & Lawal, T. (2022). Infrastructure deficit and the efficiency of port operations in Nigeria: Implications for trade and customs regulation. Journal of Maritime Policy and Development, 8(2), 33–47.
Ajibade, T. (2022). The deterrence effect of strategic government communication in policy enforcement: A study of Nigeria Customs operations. Journal of African Policy and Governance, 7(2), 33–49.
Akinola, O. A., & Ogunyemi, T. (2023). Inter-agency communication and border regulatory coherence in Nigeria. Journal of Development and Regulatory Studies, 9(1), 22–38.
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Ogundiya, I. S. (2023). Capacity building and customs modernization in Nigeria: Between policy intent and institutional practice. African Journal of Public Sector Management, 12(1), 55–73.
Okeke, M., & Oduh, A. (2020). Media framing of Nigeria’s border closure: National interest or political agenda? Journal of African Media Studies, 12(3), 389–407.
Okereke, O., & Olatunji, M. (2022). Digital transformation and regulatory innovation in Nigeria: Prospects for good governance. Journal of African Public Sector Management, 8(3), 101–117.
Okonkwo, C., & Akintola, L. (2021). Customs communication strategies and trade facilitation in Nigeria. African Journal of Trade Policy, 5(3), 77–89.
Okonkwo, C., & Akintola, L. (2022). Digital transformation and customs reform in Nigeria: Opportunities and limitations of NICIS II. West African Journal of Policy and Reform, 9(4), 102–118.
Omolaye, A., & Olatunde, B. (2023). Participatory communication and compliance in Nigerian customs regulation. International Journal of Public Communication and Development, 11(1), 39–53.
Onuoha, B., & Musa, A. (2020). Public perception and digitalization in customs reforms: Assessing Nigeria's Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). West African Journal of Management, 7(4), 101–118.
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, P. O., Maradun, L. U., Chime-Nganya, C. R., & Akin-Odukoya, O. O. (2024). Media and Pictorial Reportage of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 11(4), 287-299.
Oreoluwa, P. A., Vitalis, P. O., Nneka, A. Q., Collins-Dike, J., & Ridwan, M. (2024). Online Harassment of Female Journalist in Lagos State. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(3), 162-174.
Uche, C., & Ojo, T. (2023). Challenges of policy communication in Nigerian fiscal agencies: A focus on NCS. Journal of Public Sector Studies, 4(1), 90–105.
Uchenna, E. & Omodia, S. (2023). Policy instability and regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria: An assessment of economic implications. Nigerian Journal of Political Economy, 14(1), 67–82.
Umar, A., & Nwankwo, I. (2023). Communication deficits and public backlash in Nigerian policy implementation: An analysis of fuel subsidy and border closure policies. Nigerian Journal of Strategic Communication, 5(2), 71–89.
Vitalis, P. O., Amadi, R. N., & Whyte, D. H. (2024). Social Construct of Nollywood Films and Ethnocentrism in Southern Nigeria. CINEJ Cinema Journal, 12(2), 152-179.
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Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023b). Sports Journalism Reporting in the Era of Digital Media in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(3), 124-134.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023c). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Zhang, Y., & Bryson, J. (2020). Enhancing government legitimacy through communication: Strategic approaches and citizen response. Public Management Review, 22(4), 523–545.
Adeniran, A. & Omotosho, F. (2023). Customs digitalization and trade facilitation in West Africa: The Nigerian experience. Journal of African Trade Policy, 8(1), 56–72.
Adewale, A. (2020). The impact of e-customs systems on revenue generation and trade facilitation in Nigeria. African Journal of Governance and Development, 9(2), 55–71.
Adewale, M. O., & Lawal, K. A. (2023). Strategic communication and revenue administration in the Nigeria Customs Service. Nigerian Journal of Public Sector Management, 8(1), 45–62.
Adewuyi, A. O., & Akinbinu, A. (2022). Regulatory institutions and economic governance in Nigeria: Trends, challenges and opportunities. African Journal of Governance and Development, 11(1), 45–63.
Agogo, B. & Okonjo, D. (2022). The politics of border control and customs administration in Nigeria: Trends and implications. Nigerian Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 14(2), 93–110.
Ajayi, J. O., & Lawal, T. (2022). Infrastructure deficit and the efficiency of port operations in Nigeria: Implications for trade and customs regulation. Journal of Maritime Policy and Development, 8(2), 33–47.
Ajibade, T. (2022). The deterrence effect of strategic government communication in policy enforcement: A study of Nigeria Customs operations. Journal of African Policy and Governance, 7(2), 33–49.
Akinola, O. A., & Ogunyemi, T. (2023). Inter-agency communication and border regulatory coherence in Nigeria. Journal of Development and Regulatory Studies, 9(1), 22–38.
Akinyemi, B., & Lawal, T. (2022). Policy communication and public sector performance in Nigeria: Lessons from the Nigeria Customs Service. Journal of Governance and Public Policy in Africa, 9(2), 77–95.
Akinyemi, B., & Nwogu, C. (2021). Capacity building in Nigeria’s public sector: Lessons from the Customs Service. Journal of African Public Administration and Management, 18(1), 23–39.
Aliyu, M. (2022). Strategic communication in public sector reforms: The case of Nigeria Customs Service. Nigerian Journal of Communication and Policy Studies, 11(3), 101–118.
Awojobi, O. (2021). Reforming Nigeria’s border governance and customs regulation: Challenges and prospects. African Studies Review, 64(3), 411–428.
Bamidele, R. & Adegoke, T. (2022). Inter-agency coordination in border management: The case of Nigeria Customs Service. Nigerian Journal of Security and Development Studies, 7(2), 77–95.
Braithwaite, J. (2020). Regulatory capitalism: How it works, ideas for making it work better. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Cairney, P. (2019). Understanding public policy: Theories and issues (2nd ed.). Red Globe Press.
Cairney, P., & Kwiatkowski, R. (2017). How to communicate effectively with policymakers: Combine insights from psychology and policy studies. Palgrave Communications, 3(1), 1–8.
Eze, C., & Iwueke, J. (2021). Barriers to effective policy communication in Nigerian regulatory agencies. Public Administration Research, 10(1), 85–97.
Ezeani, E. O., & Igbokwe-Ibeto, C. J. (2022). Governance communication and policy effectiveness in Nigeria: The case of fiscal reform institutions. African Journal of Governance and Public Affairs, 10(2), 14–29.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2023). Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) as amended. Abuja: Government Press.
Graber, D. A., & Dunaway, J. (2021). Mass media and American politics (10th ed.). CQ Press.
Ibrahim, S., & Okonjo, D. (2021). Political interference and regulatory inefficiency in Nigeria: Exploring institutional resilience. Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 16(3), 83–99.
Idris, A. & Okafor, K. (2021). Customs enforcement and transnational crime in Nigeria’s border regions. Journal of Security and Development Policy, 5(1), 22–40.
Igbokwe-Ibeto, C. J., Chukwuemeka, E. O., & Obi, I. (2021). Strategic communication and policy implementation in Nigerian public administration: Bridging the gap between government and citizens. International Journal of Public Administration, 44(7), 565–577.
Jega, M. A., & Fatile, J. O. (2021). Policy inconsistency and governance crises in Nigeria: An institutional analysis. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 15(2), 56–68.
Maikaba, B., & Msughter, A. E. (2019). Digital Media and Cultural Globalisation: The Fate of African Value System. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1), 214-220.
Maiwada, A. A., Aondover, P. O., Adewale, O. C., Falobi, F., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2025). Public Relations and Media Role in Peace Building in Nigeria. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 45-58.
McNair, B. (2018). An introduction to political communication (6th ed.). Routledge.
Mefalopulos, P., & Kamlongera, C. (2020). Strategic communication for development: Building theory and practice. World Bank Publications.
Ministry of Finance. (2024). Revenue performance report 2023. Abuja: Federal Ministry of Finance.
Mojaye, E. M., & Aondover, E. M. (2022). Theoretical perspectives in world information systems: A propositional appraisal of new media-communication imperatives. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14(1), 100-106.
Nabatchi, T., & Leighninger, M. (2015). Public participation for 21st century democracy. Wiley.
Ogundiya, I. S. (2023). Capacity building and customs modernization in Nigeria: Between policy intent and institutional practice. African Journal of Public Sector Management, 12(1), 55–73.
Okeke, M., & Oduh, A. (2020). Media framing of Nigeria’s border closure: National interest or political agenda? Journal of African Media Studies, 12(3), 389–407.
Okereke, O., & Olatunji, M. (2022). Digital transformation and regulatory innovation in Nigeria: Prospects for good governance. Journal of African Public Sector Management, 8(3), 101–117.
Okonkwo, C., & Akintola, L. (2021). Customs communication strategies and trade facilitation in Nigeria. African Journal of Trade Policy, 5(3), 77–89.
Okonkwo, C., & Akintola, L. (2022). Digital transformation and customs reform in Nigeria: Opportunities and limitations of NICIS II. West African Journal of Policy and Reform, 9(4), 102–118.
Omolaye, A., & Olatunde, B. (2023). Participatory communication and compliance in Nigerian customs regulation. International Journal of Public Communication and Development, 11(1), 39–53.
Onuoha, B., & Musa, A. (2020). Public perception and digitalization in customs reforms: Assessing Nigeria's Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). West African Journal of Management, 7(4), 101–118.
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, P. O., Maradun, L. U., Chime-Nganya, C. R., & Akin-Odukoya, O. O. (2024). Media and Pictorial Reportage of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 11(4), 287-299.
Oreoluwa, P. A., Vitalis, P. O., Nneka, A. Q., Collins-Dike, J., & Ridwan, M. (2024). Online Harassment of Female Journalist in Lagos State. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(3), 162-174.
Uche, C., & Ojo, T. (2023). Challenges of policy communication in Nigerian fiscal agencies: A focus on NCS. Journal of Public Sector Studies, 4(1), 90–105.
Uchenna, E. & Omodia, S. (2023). Policy instability and regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria: An assessment of economic implications. Nigerian Journal of Political Economy, 14(1), 67–82.
Umar, A., & Nwankwo, I. (2023). Communication deficits and public backlash in Nigerian policy implementation: An analysis of fuel subsidy and border closure policies. Nigerian Journal of Strategic Communication, 5(2), 71–89.
Vitalis, P. O., Amadi, R. N., & Whyte, D. H. (2024). Social Construct of Nollywood Films and Ethnocentrism in Southern Nigeria. CINEJ Cinema Journal, 12(2), 152-179.
Vitalis, P. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Okuneye, A. P. (2023). Understanding advertising in the era of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1), 502-502.
World Bank. (2023). Doing Business 2023: Trading across borders report. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank Group.
World Trade Organization (WTO). (2022). Nigeria: Trade policy review and customs performance update. Retrieved from https://www.wto.org
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023a). Original Paper Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023b). Sports Journalism Reporting in the Era of Digital Media in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 10(3), 124-134.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023c). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Zhang, Y., & Bryson, J. (2020). Enhancing government legitimacy through communication: Strategic approaches and citizen response. Public Management Review, 22(4), 523–545.