Customs Grooms 100 Deputy Comptrollers for Top Leadership Positions

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of efforts to equip a new generation of senior officers with the leadership skills required to drive reforms and strengthen the Service.

The workshop, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, declared the course open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Addressing the participants, ACG Gaura said the officers were carefully selected for greater responsibilities and would be expected to lead by example as they assume senior leadership positions.

He explained that the training extends beyond professional competence to focus on discipline, succession planning, leadership, and ethical conduct.

“The 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.

Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded the participants that higher rank comes with increased responsibility rather than privilege.

“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,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, urged the officers to uphold the Service’s values of discipline, regimentation and professionalism, stressing that senior officers must set the standard through their conduct, appearance and relationship with subordinates.

Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the increased responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions.

He noted that the initiative reflects the Comptroller-General’s commitment to continuous capacity building, adding that officers must continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership abilities, and uphold the discipline, professionalism and integrity expected of future managers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Participants commended the Comptroller-General for approving the training, describing it as timely and impactful. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve discipline, enhance service delivery and uphold the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on higher leadership responsibilities nationwide.