By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, March 27, 2026, marked this year’s International Women’s Day with a heartfelt and unexpected appreciation event dedicated to female officers of the Service, paying glowing tribute to their invaluable contributions to institutional growth and national development.
The colourful gathering, held at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, drew a mammoth crowd of officers across ranks, alongside members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA). In a symbolic gesture of recognition and gratitude, each woman present was presented with a rose, a simple but powerful token celebrating their resilience, commitment, and unwavering service to the nation.
In his address, the Comptroller-General explained that the event was intentionally designed to break away from conventional ceremonies and instead create a memorable moment that placed women whose efforts often go unnoticed firmly in the spotlight.
“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.”
Reflecting on the Service’s paramilitary structure, he acknowledged the importance of tradition and hierarchy but stressed that the occasion transcended protocol.
“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 stated.
The CGC described female officers as indispensable to the operations and achievements of the Service, commending their professionalism and dedication across commands and formations nationwide.
“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 further explained that the initiative was part of a broader effort to recognise outstanding women within the Service and to reinforce a culture that values hard work, excellence, and dedication irrespective of gender.
In her remarks, the National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association and wife of the Comptroller-General, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, described the event as a defining moment 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 commended the Comptroller-General for his consistent support for women-focused initiatives, noting that his leadership has expanded opportunities for inclusion, professional growth, and empowerment within the Service.
“Our women are not just supporting actors; they are active contributors to the progress we are recording as a Service. Through various initiatives, we have continued to empower women and families, and this aligns with the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service,” she added.
Mrs Adeniyi also highlighted COWA’s sustained efforts in promoting welfare and empowerment programmes for officers’ families, stressing that investing in women remains essential to building stronger institutions and more resilient communities.
The surprise International Women’s Day celebration not only underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to gender inclusion but also reinforced the message that recognition, when sincere and intentional, can inspire even greater dedication to service and national development.
