Nigeria Customs Charges Officers to Uphold Professionalism, Celebrates Graduation of Junior Course 19
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) celebrated the successful graduation of officers from the Junior Course 19 on Tuesday, 27 August 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, Bello Jibo, addressed the graduating officers, urging them to continue being “good ambassadors” of the Service.
In a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, including Assistant Comptrollers-General and the College’s Commandant, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, as well as the Deputy Commandant, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, DCG Bello Jibo emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development in Customs operations.
“The knowledge you have gained here is your foundation to showing your commitment to continuous learning and development that will define your success,” he stated, encouraging the graduates to serve with honour and lead with integrity.
During his speech, DCG Jibo praised the College as a “remarkable citadel of learning” that equips Customs officers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of global trade, security, and border management.
He highlighted that the institution has produced some of the finest officers in the NCS, expressing confidence that the current graduates will uphold this legacy.
The CGC’s representative also acknowledged the challenges the students faced during their rigorous training and commended their resilience and determination.
“Your journey has not been easy, but your resilience and determination have brought you to this point. The knowledge and skills you have acquired here are not just tools for your career; they are keys to unlocking the future of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he remarked.
DCG Jibo further charged the graduates to uphold the ethics of their work, stressing that the future of the NCS depends on their ability to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
Special awards were presented to outstanding graduates, a recognition DCG Jibo described as a testament to their exceptional dedication and performance throughout their time at the College.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to fostering collaboration with sister security agencies and stakeholders.
The ceremony saw an impressive turnout of representatives from military and paramilitary agencies, highlighting the Service’s emphasis on inter-agency cooperation.
The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, in his remarks, conferred the Pass Junior Staff Course (PJSC) title on the graduates, urging them to apply the knowledge they gained as they return to their respective Commands.
He expressed joy in witnessing their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue practising what they have learned.
Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the College, also commended the graduates, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Service.
She highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training, which included courses on leadership, public speaking, and computer programs designed to shape their careers as professional Customs officers.
One of the graduates, Superintendent of Customs Ekene Ochi, shared his experience at the College, expressing gratitude for the robust training that has prepared him and his colleagues for future endeavours in the Service.
He extended his appreciation to the College’s leadership and faculty for their guidance and support.
As part of the graduation festivities, a regimental dinner night was held on Monday, 26 August 2024, to honour the graduating students. DCG Bello Jibo, representing the CGC as the Special Guest of Honour, described the event as an opportunity to foster camaraderie among officers.
He also highlighted the success of the junior and senior courses introduced at the College, noting their significant impact on the professional growth and capacity building of NCS officers.
The graduation of Junior Course 19 marks another milestone in the NCS’s commitment to developing its officers’ skills and leadership capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern Customs operations.
