The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced a strategic refresher course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of efforts to prepare a new generation of senior officers for higher leadership responsibilities and sustain ongoing reforms within the Service.
The training, organised by the Service’s Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. The workshop was declared open by the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gaura described the participants as officers carefully selected for greater responsibilities, noting that the programme was designed to equip them with the leadership skills, discipline and professionalism required to guide the Service into the future.
According to him, the course extends beyond technical competence to focus on character, succession planning and exemplary conduct, stressing that the officers are expected to serve as role models for the next generation of Customs personnel.
Retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi, who delivered the keynote address, reminded participants that elevation in rank comes with greater responsibility rather than privilege. He urged the officers to embrace leadership as a call to service, saying they owe a duty not only to the Service but also to their colleagues, subordinates, government and stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, charged the officers to uphold the core values of discipline, regimentation and professionalism. He emphasised that senior officers must lead by example through their conduct, appearance and relationship with junior personnel.
In his welcome address, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General to continuous human capital development and leadership succession within the Service.
He noted that officers occupying senior positions must continually improve their knowledge, leadership capacity and ethical standards to meet the demands of modern Customs administration and support the Service’s reform agenda.
Some participants described the workshop as timely and impactful, commending the Comptroller-General for approving the initiative.
They pledged to apply the knowledge and leadership principles gained during the course to strengthen discipline, enhance service delivery and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as they assume higher leadership roles across the country.
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