Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its leadership succession and capacity-building drive with the commencement of a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers, aimed at equipping them with the skills, discipline and strategic mindset required for higher leadership responsibilities.
The high-level workshop, organised by the Service’s Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, commenced on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Declaring the course open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, said the participants were carefully selected officers being prepared to drive the next phase of the Service’s transformation agenda.
According to him, the programme extends beyond technical competence, focusing on leadership, discipline, succession planning and ethical conduct.
“These officers are expected to serve as role models for the next generation of Customs personnel. This training goes beyond professional competence; it focuses on discipline, succession, conduct and leadership,” ACG Gaura stated.
He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to building a leadership pipeline capable of sustaining institutional reforms and delivering efficient service to the nation.
Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded the officers that elevation in rank comes with increased responsibility and accountability rather than personal privilege.
“The rank of Deputy Comptroller does not merely confer authority; it confers service. You owe responsibility to the Service, your colleagues, your subordinates, the nation’s leadership and our stakeholders,” Nnadi charged.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, urged participants to uphold the core values of regimentation, discipline and professionalism, stressing that senior officers must lead by example through their conduct, appearance and relationship with subordinates.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, described the refresher course as a strategic initiative designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the expanded responsibilities associated with senior management positions.
He said the programme reflects the Comptroller-General’s unwavering commitment to continuous professional development and institutional excellence.
According to Saulawa, officers must continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership capacity and demonstrate the discipline, professionalism and integrity expected of those entrusted with managing the affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Participants at the workshop applauded the Comptroller-General for approving the initiative, describing it as timely, insightful and relevant to the evolving demands of Customs administration.
They pledged to apply the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the training to strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on greater responsibilities across various commands nationwide.