From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers aimed at equipping senior officers with the leadership skills, discipline and professional competence required to take on higher responsibilities within the Service.
The training, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
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 officers expected to assume greater leadership roles in the Service.
He explained that the course was designed not only to enhance professional competence but also to strengthen discipline, succession planning, ethical conduct and leadership capacity among senior officers.
“These officers are expected to 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,” Gaura said.
Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded the participants that promotion comes with increased responsibilities rather than personal privileges.
He urged them to see their new positions as a call to greater service, noting that the rank of Deputy Comptroller carries obligations to the Service, colleagues, subordinates, government and stakeholders.
“The rank of Deputy Comptroller does not merely confer authority; it confers service,” Nnadi stressed.
The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, also charged the officers to maintain the traditions of discipline, professionalism and regimentation, stressing that senior officers must lead by example through their conduct, appearance and interaction with personnel under their command.
Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was introduced to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the challenges and expectations associated with senior leadership positions.
He noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs to continuous capacity development, urging officers to update their knowledge, improve leadership skills and uphold the integrity expected of future managers of the Service.
Participants at the workshop commended the approval of the training, describing it as timely and impactful.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance discipline, improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on greater responsibilities nationwide.