Nigeria Customs Trains Newly Promoted Comptrollers in Leadership Retreat
…As CGC Adeniyi Advocates Strategic Leadership and Service Efficiency
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in a bid to strengthen its leadership framework and enhance service delivery, has organised a five-day Leadership Retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers.
The retreat, a collaborative effort between the Department of Human Resources Development and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), commenced on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Declaring the retreat open, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Strategic Environment and Effective Service Delivery in the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He underscored the responsibilities attached to the rank of Comptroller, urging the newly promoted officers to see themselves as key decision-makers in policy implementation at various command levels.
“You have moved to this particular stage in service – more or less, you are now operating at the management level. For all you know, this is the last promotable rank you get, and because we interact with other members of society, you must know your roles at that level,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
Adeniyi further charged the newly promoted Comptrollers to prioritise the welfare of their subordinates, emphasising that leadership extends beyond technical expertise to a deep sense of responsibility towards officers under their command.
“You have to be interested in the welfare of your staff members. You also have a duty to protect the interests and dignity of the Service. In addition, you must prioritise continuous training and capacity-building programmes for officers and men under your command,” he added.
In his remarks, the Commander of TRADOC, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Sulaiman Chiroma, described the retreat as a crucial investment in the future of the NCS.
He highlighted its importance in sharpening leadership skills and preparing the officers to tackle the complexities of modern Customs operations.
“This retreat is designed to sharpen your leadership skills and enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of modern Customs operations. As Comptrollers, you are pivotal in promoting trade facilitation, revenue generation, and economic growth. This training will give you the tools to effectively meet those responsibilities,” DCG Chiroma affirmed.
Meanwhile, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a lecture on Stakeholder Management, Media Relations, and Employee Engagement.
He stressed the significance of effective communication in fostering strong relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
Maiwada encouraged the Comptrollers to adopt a proactive approach when dealing with the media and the public, ensuring transparency and clarity in the dissemination of information regarding Customs activities.
He also emphasised the need for maintaining a positive working relationship with employees, as effective leadership thrives on trust, motivation, and collaboration.
Other notable lectures were delivered by top-ranking officials, including:
DCG Greg Itotoh, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources Development, who spoke on Team Building.
ACG Isah Umar, Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, who delivered a lecture on Integrity and Transparency.
Prof. Hamid Sulaiman, who provided insights into Public Policy Management and Leadership Challenges.
Comptroller Naf’iu Isyaku, who spoke on Customs Import and Export Process and Procedure.
The final day of the retreat was dedicated to leadership ethics, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
Comptroller Haniel Hadison, in charge of Special Duties at the NCS Headquarters, delivered a lecture on “Regimentation in the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He urged his colleagues to uphold discipline and professionalism, cautioning them against engaging in political activities.
Additionally, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, presented a lecture on “Border Crisis and National Security: An Appraisal.”
His discourse examined the intricacies of border security, trade facilitation, and the pivotal role of the NCS in strengthening Nigeria’s economic and security framework.
Closing the retreat on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, DCG Greg Itotoh congratulated the newly promoted officers and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
“The Service expects you to apply the knowledge gained from this retreat to improve Customs operations and enhance trade facilitation,” DCG Itotoh stated.
With this intensive leadership retreat, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to building a highly skilled and ethically driven workforce, ensuring that the newly promoted Comptrollers are well-equipped to lead effectively in their respective commands.
