Nigeria Customs PR Officers Dominate NCCSC Senior Course 14, Clinch Top Graduation Honours
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Public Relations Unit has recorded a remarkable academic feat as two of its officers emerged the highest-performing graduates at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, following the completion of the institution’s Senior Course 14.
At the graduation ceremony held on Friday, 26 June 2026, at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the NCCSC, 50 senior officers successfully completed one of the Service’s most rigorous professional and leadership training programmes.
Leading the graduating class was Chief Superintendent of Customs Ridwan Yusuf, who was named the Overall Best Graduating Student. In addition to claiming the overall top position, Yusuf also won three other awards, underlining his outstanding academic and leadership performance throughout the course.
Closely behind him was Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu, who emerged as the Second Best Graduating Student, completing an exceptional outing for the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit, which secured the two highest honours of the prestigious programme.
Reacting to the achievement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, described the accomplishment as a proud milestone for the Public Relations Unit and a reflection of the intellectual capacity, professionalism and dedication of its officers.
Maiwada said the outstanding performance of the two officers demonstrated that personnel serving in public relations possess not only communication expertise but also the administrative competence, strategic thinking and leadership qualities required to excel in demanding professional environments.
According to him, their success reinforces the important role of the Public Relations Unit within the Service and highlights its contribution to institutional excellence beyond image management.
The Customs spokesperson, however, acknowledged that the achievement comes with mixed emotions, noting that officers who distinguish themselves at the Command and Staff College are traditionally considered for appointment as Directing Staff at the institution.
He recalled that Assistant Comptroller Benjamin Lomba, who excelled during Senior Course 13, was subsequently retained by the College as a Directing Staff member, adding that a similar opportunity could await Yusuf and Sa’idu.
Maiwada said while the prospect of the officers taking up mentoring responsibilities at the College would represent another significant career milestone, their possible departure from the Public Relations Unit would leave a noticeable gap because of their experience, professionalism and daily contributions to the team’s operations.
He praised both officers for bringing honour to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Public Relations Unit through their exceptional academic performance and commitment to excellence.
Congratulating the award recipients, Maiwada urged them to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism as they embark on the next phase of their careers.
He expressed confidence that they would make significant contributions to leadership development within the Service if called upon to serve as instructors, assuring them of the full support and admiration of their colleagues.
The Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College is regarded as the Service’s premier institution for advanced professional education, preparing senior officers for higher leadership and strategic management responsibilities within the organisation.
Graduation from the Senior Course is widely recognised as a major milestone in the career progression of Customs officers.
