Nigeria Customs Trains 100 Deputy Comptrollers for Senior Leadership Roles
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun a strategic leadership development programme for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of efforts to prepare senior officers for greater responsibilities and strengthen ongoing institutional reforms across the Service.
The Strategic Refresher Course, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, commenced on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada.
The initiative is designed to equip selected officers with the leadership, disciplinary and professional skills required for higher appointments within the Service.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Dow Gaura, said the participants had been carefully chosen for the programme because of the critical leadership roles they are expected to assume.
According to him, the refresher course is intended to prepare the officers not only for career advancement but also to become exemplary leaders capable of mentoring younger personnel and sustaining the reforms being implemented across the Nigeria Customs Service.
Gaura stressed that the training extends beyond improving professional competence, explaining that it places equal emphasis on discipline, ethical conduct, succession planning and leadership.
“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,” he said.
In his keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded the participants that elevation to senior rank comes with increased obligations rather than personal privilege.
He urged the officers to view their positions as an opportunity to serve both the institution and the nation, saying the rank of Deputy Comptroller demands accountability to the Service, colleagues, subordinates, government and stakeholders.
“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,” Nnadi said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, charged the officers to uphold the core values of regimentation, discipline and professionalism that define the Customs Service.
He emphasised that senior officers must lead by example, maintaining high standards in their conduct, appearance and interactions with junior personnel.
Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, explained that the refresher course was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the broader responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions.
Saulawa said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs to continuous human capacity development, noting that the rapidly evolving operational environment requires officers to regularly update their knowledge and strengthen their leadership abilities.
He added that future managers of the Service must consistently demonstrate discipline, professionalism and integrity while carrying out their duties.
Participants at the workshop praised the Comptroller-General for approving the training, describing it as both timely and relevant in preparing officers for the demands of higher office.
They pledged to apply the knowledge and leadership skills gained during the programme to enhance discipline, improve service delivery and safeguard the image and reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on more strategic responsibilities across the country.
