Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, March 27, 2026, hosted a surprise appreciation event in honour of female officers, marking this year’s International Women’s Day with heartfelt tributes and symbolic gestures of recognition.
Held at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, the event drew a large gathering of officers across various ranks, as well as members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA). Each woman in attendance received a rose—an emblem of gratitude for their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the Service and the nation.
Addressing the crowd, the Comptroller-General explained that the ceremony was intentionally designed as a departure from formal, predictable commemorations, instead offering a moment of genuine appreciation.
“I know you did not come here expecting this. That is exactly the point,” Adeniyi said. “Too often, recognition comes only when it is convenient or when it fits neatly into a calendar. Today, we chose to do something different.”
He noted that while the Customs Service operates within a paramilitary structure defined by hierarchy, the occasion served as a moment to reflect on and celebrate the indispensable role of women in the organisation.
“This is a paramilitary organisation, and we are guided by tradition and protocol. But today, we are united by a common purpose, which is to celebrate the women of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
Adeniyi praised female officers for their professionalism and unwavering commitment across all formations of the Service, emphasising that their contributions remain central to the NCS mandate.
“You are central to what we do. I want to appreciate all of you serving in different capacities across the country for your resilience and commitment to duty,” he added.
He noted that the initiative also aims to deepen a culture that recognises excellence and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that hard work is valued irrespective of gender.
In her remarks, the National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association and wife of the Comptroller-General, Kikelomo Adeniyi, described the event as a profound moment of celebration for women within the Customs community.
“This is indeed a special occasion for us to recognise the resilience, dedication and hard work of women who continue to support the Service both directly and indirectly,” she said.
She praised the Comptroller-General for his unwavering support for women, saying his leadership has created an enabling environment for growth, empowerment and inclusion.
“Our women are not just supporting actors; they are active contributors to the progress we are recording as a Service,” she noted, adding that COWA’s initiatives continue to strengthen welfare and empowerment programmes for families.
She stressed that investing in women remains essential to building stronger institutions and communities, aligning with the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The event concluded with cheers, camaraderie and renewed motivation among NCS women, who described the gesture as both uplifting and memorable.