By Bimpe Audu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised a two-day basic photography training for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving at its headquarters and other interested participants, equipping them with practical skills in photography, visual storytelling and digital content creation.
The training, held on 28 and 29 October 2026 at NCS Headquarters Auditorium, Abuja, was organised through the Service’s Public Relations Unit and hosted by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada. On the first day, Maiwada encouraged the corps members to pay attention, participate actively and make the most of the learning opportunity, stressing the importance of applying the knowledge acquired both within and beyond the Service.
The initiative aligns with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to capacity building, professional development and collaboration. It also reflects the importance of equipping young people with practical skills that can support their professional growth and create opportunities beyond their current engagements.
The first day featured theoretical sessions on the fundamentals of photography, camera settings, composition, framing, focus and professional ethics, including the role of photography in public relations, documentation and institutional communication. The second day focused on practical demonstrations, allowing participants to handle professional cameras, apply appropriate settings and practise techniques for capturing quality images. Participants were also introduced to mobile phone photography for personal, professional and media communication.
Speaking on the opportunities the training could create, Inspector of Customs, Muhammad Abdullahi who was also a facilitator in the training, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired with ambition and professionalism, noting that their skills could open doors beyond their current engagements.
Facilitators included Assistant Superintendent of Corps I, Elijah Ajayi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sergeant Timilehin Adeyemi of the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector of customs, Muhammad Abdullahi. They guided participants through the technical, creative and ethical dimensions of photography.
The interactive sessions gave participants, including those with little or no previous experience, the opportunity to practise the techniques taught and develop a foundation for further learning. The programme also highlighted photography as a transferable skill that could support self-reliance, personal development and potential business opportunities.
