The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and key stakeholders have called for stronger, clearer communication strategies to address food security and rising food prices in Nigeria.

The call was made during the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW), held in Kaduna, where policymakers, communication experts and media professionals gathered to discuss how policy messaging affects public understanding and economic outcomes.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, attended the event, signalling high-level government interest in tackling food-related challenges.

Why it matters

Food inflation remains a major concern in Nigeria, affecting household incomes and access to basic nutrition.

Experts at the event said poor communication of government policies often worsens the situation, leading to confusion, mistrust, and misinformation.

They argued that when citizens clearly understand policies, they are more likely to support and comply with them.

‘Communication is critical to policy success’

Speaking during a high-level panel session, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed that communication must be integrated into every stage of policymaking.

“Even at the implementation stage of any policy, communication is critical,” he said.

“Without clearly communicating these policies to the public, they may not achieve the desired impact. When people understand how policies affect them, they are more likely to align with them.”

He added that communication helps build trust and ensures policies addressing food supply and trade are widely accepted.

Experts link food inflation to climate, insecurity

Other panellists pointed to broader structural issues driving food inflation.

These include climate change, insecurity in farming regions, and disruptions in supply chains.

Bryiyne Chitsunge and communication expert Agnes Bassey said weak communication around these issues often fuels misinformation.

They called for more data-driven and solution-focused reporting by the media.

Customs strengthens communication capacity

The Nigeria Customs Service maintained a strong presence at the event, with more than 29 Public Relations Officers in attendance.

The participation reflects the agency’s effort to improve stakeholder engagement, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation and border management.

Observers say better communication from agencies like Customs could help clarify policies affecting food imports, tariffs, and supply chains.

Building trust beyond the conference

Beyond panel discussions, the event also focused on strengthening professional relationships.

A dinner hosted by the Customs PRO brought officers together in an informal setting to encourage collaboration and teamwork.

Assistant Comptroller-General Nsika Umoh described the bond among officers as “inspiring and family-oriented”.

Industry reactions

Communication professionals at the event said the discussions highlight a growing shift in public relations from information sharing to strategic influence.

Some media practitioners also noted that inaccurate or sensational reporting can worsen public anxiety about food shortages.

They urged journalists to prioritise accuracy and context in reporting economic issues.

What’s next

Stakeholders say the focus will now shift to implementing the ideas discussed at NPRW 2026.

This includes improving collaboration between government agencies, the media, and the private sector.

For ordinary Nigerians, the impact could be significant clearer communication may lead to better understanding of policies, reduced panic buying, and more stable food markets.

Fidelity Bank Plc has launched a series of masterclasses aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria, focusing on pricing, digital sales, and international expansion.

The initiative, held throughout April 2026, is designed to equip business owners with practical skills to improve efficiency, boost profitability and access new markets.

Why it matters

SMEs are widely seen as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic growth.

However, many struggle with pricing, market access and scaling operations—challenges the bank says it is targeting through hands-on training.

Inside the masterclasses

The first session, titled “Pricing That Works: How to Charge Right and Earn More,” took place on 10 April at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.

About 100 entrepreneurs attended, receiving guidance on costing, value-based pricing, pricing psychology and customer perception.

A follow-up session, “Baking Masterclass: From Kitchen to Cashflow,” held on 14–15 April, focused on helping food entrepreneurs improve product quality and increase income.

“When SMEs succeed, the economy grows”

Speaking on the initiative, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head for SME Banking, Ugochi Osinigwe, said:

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when SMEs succeed, the economy grows. That is why we have curated a suite of masterclasses that provide entrepreneurs with the practical skills they can apply immediately.”

She added:

“Whether it is pricing correctly, improving product quality, mastering online sales, or preparing for international expansion, we are devoted to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to grow, thrive and prosper.”

What’s next

Two more sessions are scheduled before the end of April:

“Grow Online Sales on a Budget” (24 April) – focusing on digital visibility and affordable marketing tools

“Take Your Business Global: One-on-One Trade Advisory” (29 April) – offering personalised guidance on export readiness and cross-border trade

The final session will include advisory support on compliance, global market entry and payment systems.

Broader SME support strategy

The bank says the masterclasses are part of a wider SME support framework that includes funding, advisory services and market access initiatives delivered through its SME hubs nationwide.

Fidelity Bank recently received recognition as a leading SME-focused lender, including awards from BusinessDay and Euromoney for its digital transformation and MSME banking efforts.

With more than 10 million customers and operations in Nigeria and the UK, the bank says it aims to deepen its role in supporting entrepreneurship.

Industry perspective

Experts say initiatives like this could help bridge the knowledge gap facing many small businesses in Nigeria.

Improved pricing strategies and digital adoption are increasingly seen as critical for SMEs navigating inflation, competition and shifting consumer behaviour.

Impact on entrepreneurs

For business owners, the programme offers access to practical, real-world insights often unavailable through traditional training.

Participants are expected to apply lessons directly to improve margins, expand online reach and explore export opportunities.

Nestlé Nigeria has signed a deal with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, targeting improved milk production and stronger technical capacity across the sector.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s dairy industry has long struggled with low productivity, poor milk quality, and limited technical expertise.

The new centre aims to address these gaps by training farmers, improving hygiene standards, and strengthening coordination across the dairy value chain.

It also aligns with national efforts to boost food security, reduce imports, and grow local production.

What the partnership will do

The training facility will be based at Nestlé’s Dairy Demonstration Farm and will deliver structured programmes focused on:

Better milk production and farm management

Improved hygiene and processing standards

Industry-relevant technical skills

Stronger value chain coordination

The initiative builds on earlier efforts, including the launch of the demonstration farm in 2025 and a Letter of Intent signed on World Milk Day the same year.

What Nestlé says

Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said the partnership reflects years of investment in the sector.

“At Nestlé, we have been working over the years to strengthen the dairy value chain in Nigeria. What we have seen is clear, when capability improves, outcomes follow. This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development allows us to expand the reach of our structured approach to building the skills required to improve productivity, enhance quality, and support long-term sustainability in the sector.”

He added that the company remains focused on creating shared value for communities while building a resilient local supply base.

Government response

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, described the project as a practical step towards unlocking the sector’s potential.

“Nigeria’s dairy sector holds significant potential, but unlocking it requires stronger technical capability across the value chain. This partnership represents a practical step towards improving productivity and quality, and I commend Nestlé Nigeria for their continued commitment and proven track record through the Nestlé Livestock Development Project, demonstrating what is possible when the right systems are in place.”

He added:

“At the Ministry, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports investments such as this, ensuring that policy and partnerships work together to drive meaningful impact and build a more resilient and competitive dairy industry.”

Impact so far

Since 2019, Nestlé’s Livestock Development Project has:

Established 83 dairy cooperatives

Supported over 3,000 milk producers

Aggregated more than 1 million litres of milk

Trained over 2,000 pastoralists

Vaccinated more than 36,000 cattle

Industry analysts say scaling such interventions could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy products.

Industry perspective

Agriculture experts say skills development is one of the biggest gaps in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

They argue that improving technical knowledge from animal care to milk handling could significantly raise output and incomes for rural communities.

What’s next

Following the agreement, both parties will begin implementation.

This includes finalising training frameworks, preparing the site, and rolling out programmes in phases.

The centre will focus on developing mid-level technical skills critical for long-term sustainability.