The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of efforts to prepare senior officers for higher leadership responsibilities and consolidate ongoing reforms within the Service.
The workshop, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, declared the course open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ACG Gaura described the participants as officers carefully selected for greater responsibilities, noting that the programme was designed to equip them with the leadership qualities required to guide the next generation of Customs personnel.
He said the training extends beyond professional competence to focus on discipline, succession planning, conduct and effective leadership, stressing that the officers were expected to serve as role models within the Service.
Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded the participants that promotion to senior ranks comes with greater responsibility 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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, urged the officers to uphold the traditions of regimentation, discipline and professionalism, noting that senior officers must set the standard through their conduct, appearance and relationship with their subordinates.
Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the increased responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions in the Service.
He said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs to continuous capacity building, adding that officers must continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills and uphold the discipline, professionalism and integrity required of future managers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Some of the participants described the course as timely and impactful, commending the Comptroller-General for approving the initiative. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen discipline, improve service delivery and uphold the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on higher leadership responsibilities across the country.
