The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Deputy Comptrollers of Customs to embrace innovation and prepare for higher leadership responsibilities as customs administrations across the world continue to adopt technology-driven reforms.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the Strategic Refresher Course for Deputy Comptrollers held at the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.
Addressing the participants, the Comptroller-General stressed that the evolving global customs environment demands continuous learning and adaptability, noting that the Service is investing significantly in developing the capacity of its senior officers to meet emerging operational challenges.
He said Customs administrations worldwide are reinventing their operations through technology and innovation, making it imperative for officers to remain ahead of emerging trends.
“You must put yourself ahead of all these developments. This is why we are investing a lot in building your capacity locally and internationally. You must demonstrate capacity, you must demonstrate readiness that you’re ready to take on the leadership of the service,” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller-General further explained that the impact of the training would not be measured as a one-time exercise but through sustained improvements in productivity, leadership effectiveness and performance, which would be assessed using the Service’s established performance management systems.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, urged the participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and serve as role models for younger officers in the Service.
He said the refresher course had better positioned the Deputy Comptrollers to promote discipline, transparency and fairness while making sound operational decisions during challenging situations.
“As senior officers and true ambassadors of the NCS, you are now better positioned to set standards of discipline and professionalism, lead by personal example, manage public perceptions through transparency and fairness, and make sound decisions during operational challenges and crises,” Babandede said.
In his remarks, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sanusi, said the Customs Police Unit would continue to strengthen discipline and compliance within the Service through sustained engagement and training of senior officers.
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has standard operating procedures guiding virtually every aspect of its operations, making continuous training essential to achieving higher levels of compliance.
He noted that repeated engagement with officers would reinforce adherence to established procedures and ultimately improve operational standards across the Service.
