The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a strategic leadership refresher programme for 100 Deputy Comptrollers, as it intensifies efforts to prepare a new generation of senior officers for higher leadership responsibilities and sustain ongoing institutional reforms.
The workshop, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, declared the programme open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ACG Gaura described the participants as officers carefully selected for greater responsibilities within the Service, noting that the training is designed to equip them to lead by example.
He stressed that the course extends beyond professional competence to focus on discipline, succession planning, leadership and ethical conduct.
“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.
Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, reminded participants that promotion should be viewed as a call to greater service rather than personal 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 traditions of discipline, regimentation and professionalism, emphasising that senior officers must lead through exemplary conduct, appearance and their relationship with subordinates.
Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the increased responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions.
He noted that the programme reflects the Comptroller-General’s commitment to continuous capacity building, urging participants to continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills and uphold the discipline, professionalism and integrity expected of future managers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Participants described the training as timely and impactful, commending the Comptroller-General for approving the initiative.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen discipline, enhance service delivery and uphold the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on higher leadership responsibilities nationwide.