Customs grooms 100 deputy comptrollers for senior leadership roles

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 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 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.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Dow Gaura, said the participants were carefully selected for the programme to equip them for greater responsibilities.

According to him, the training is designed to develop officers who will lead by example and 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,” he said.

Gaura noted that as the officers advance in their careers, they are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and provide effective leadership that will strengthen ongoing reforms in the Service.

Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, reminded participants that promotion 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 participants to uphold the traditions of discipline, professionalism and regimentation, stressing that senior officers must lead by example through their conduct, appearance and relationship with subordinates.

Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the increased responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions.

He said the programme underscores the commitment of the Comptroller-General to continuous capacity building and the development of a competent leadership cadre for the Nigeria Customs Service.

Saulawa urged the officers to continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills and uphold the discipline, professionalism and integrity expected of future leaders of the Service.

Some participants described the training as timely and impactful, commending the Comptroller-General for approving the programme. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen discipline, enhance service delivery and uphold the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they assume higher leadership responsibilities across the country.