Nigeria Customs Honours Nafisat Balogun as First Female Pilot with Commercial Multi-Engine Licence
The Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated a landmark achievement within its ranks, honouring Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun for earning a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, a feat that cements her place as the first female pilot in the history of the service.
The recognition ceremony, organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, drew senior officers, management staff and colleagues who gathered to applaud Balogun’s pioneering accomplishment in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service and retired Comptroller of Customs, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s journey as both inspiring and transformative. He highlighted her progression from a cabin attendant to a fully certified commercial pilot as a testament to determination and institutional support.
“Our officer, Nafisat Balogun, has transitioned from being a cabin attendant to a fully-fledged commercial pilot. This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” Mbaya stated.
He noted that her success marks a turning point for the organisation, signalling expanding opportunities and breaking long-standing gender barriers within the service.
“For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and it is important that we celebrate and recognise this milestone,” he added.
Mbaya further used the occasion to encourage women across the service and beyond to pursue their ambitions boldly, emphasising that systemic barriers are gradually being dismantled.
“This achievement shows that there are no limits. The glass ceiling has been shattered, and with determination and consistency, more women can achieve their dreams,” he said.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for fostering an environment that promotes gender inclusion and professional growth.
In her remarks, Superintendent Balogun expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the journey as challenging yet rewarding. She acknowledged the role of mentorship, institutional backing and personal resilience in reaching the milestone.
“I am truly honoured and humbled by this warm reception. This journey has not been easy, but I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and belief shown in me,” she said.
She specifically appreciated the leadership of the service for enabling her success.
“I sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management team for their invaluable support. This achievement stands as a testament to that encouragement,” Balogun noted.
Reaffirming her commitment to duty, she pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. “I promise to continue to serve with dedication, integrity, and professionalism,” she added.
Colleagues and attendees at the ceremony described her accomplishment as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for female officers aspiring to venture into specialised and technical fields within the service.
Many praised her resilience, discipline and determination, noting that her success has opened new pathways and possibilities for women in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Balogun’s achievement is widely seen as a significant stride towards gender equality in Nigeria’s paramilitary and aviation sectors, reinforcing the growing call for inclusivity and equal opportunity across all professional spheres.
