The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (Rtd.), has commended the Forum of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) for sustaining inter-agency Collaboration on Crisis and Information Management.

Hameed Ali, who made the commendation while hosting the monthly rotational meeting of FOSSRA at Customs Headquarters Abuja said the collaboration of security spokespersons is a welcome development that should be sustained.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller General Ronke Olabiyi of the Human Resources Directorate, Hameed said: “We are glad to host this monthly meeting of FOSSRA for its contribution to national development, especially on information management.

“Generally, the activities of security agencies are hardly appreciated by the public so we must look inwards to promote the works of the agencies

“The way we report agencies could make or mar the reputations of our principals and personnel of the various organisations.

“We must be on point in reporting the activities right, truthfully and eloquent through synergy, collaboration in order to move the country forward.

“We, therefore, need to guard and guide our words whenever we are communicating to the public, especially through appropriate media channels.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of FOSSRA and Director Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, said the forum had established and sustained a mutual relationship with the media for a better understanding of security operations.

Agim said: “The purpose of our monthly meeting is to serve the interest of our organisation and the country better by sharing knowledge and skills and information management, especially with the media.

“If we are to manage information better we have to peer review each other and develop ourselves better to serve the national interest

“We intend as a body to speak with one voice on sensitive issues.”

FOSSRA is a body under the auspices of Office of National Security Adviser with Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) as its Secretariat, coordinates public information activities of armed forces, security, intelligence and response agencies.

Membership of the forum are spokespersons of critical institutions and paramilitary outfits in Nigeria.

They include Defence Headquarters, Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, State Security Service, Office of National Security Adviser, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Nigeria Prison Service and National Immigration Service.

Other members include Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agencies (NEMA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Federal Fire Service (FFS). (PRNigeria)