The Protocol Division of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is expected to improve its efficiency and professionalism following a five-day capacity-building programme for its senior officers in Ibadan.
Participants at the training were exposed to practical aspects of protocol management, including the coordination of official ceremonies, VIP visits, order of precedence, security and media relations, convoy management and appropriate seating arrangements.
Speaking on behalf of the participants at the closing ceremony, Ezeji Comfort Nwabundo said the training had strengthened their capacity to perform their responsibilities with greater confidence and attention to detail.
She said the programme covered the fundamentals of protocol and etiquette, as well as the use of flags and logos, collaboration among protocol officers, logistics, dining etiquette and table setting.
“The training has been both practical and enlightening, and we are leaving better equipped to carry out our responsibilities with greater professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail,” Nwabundo said.
She described the initiative as evidence of the NRS management’s commitment to building a skilled and service-oriented workforce, while commending the facilitators for sharing their professional knowledge and practical experience with the officers.
Nwabundo assured the management of the Service that participants would deploy the lessons learnt in their daily duties to strengthen the image, efficiency and operations of the NRS.
The Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Protocol and Verity Consultants Limited, Ambassador Ibrahim Mohammed Bashir, said the programme represented a strategic investment in the professional development of senior officers in the Protocol Division.
Bashir commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, for approving the training, noting that the programme was aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, improving operational efficiency and repositioning the division for greater effectiveness.
He also presented certificates of participation to the officers at the conclusion of the workshop and encouraged them to keep the certificates as records of their professional development.
Also speaking at the event, Senior Consultant at Platinum Protocol and Verity Consultants Limited, Ambassador Mustapha Suleiman, challenged the officers to ensure that the knowledge gained during the programme translated into measurable improvements in their work.
“You have been equipped by the best in the field. The knowledge you have gained here should not end in this hall,” Suleiman said.
He urged the participants to use their new knowledge to improve the operations of the Protocol Division and change perceptions about its performance.
Suleiman said he expected the training to produce improvements in professionalism, discipline, efficiency and decorum in the execution of protocol-related responsibilities within the NRS.
The programme was organised as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of senior personnel handling protocol functions within the revenue service.
Nwabundo subsequently thanked the consultants, NRS management and other individuals who contributed to the successful delivery of the training.
