The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has commenced a “Gender Diversity” workshop at the Old Federal Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, aimed at strengthening gender inclusivity within the Customs Service.
In a press statement issued by the National Spokesperson of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada the event which opened on Monday underscored the dedication of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to creating a work environment that promotes the growth and success of every officer, regardless of gender.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs and NCS National Contact Point, Zara Musa, inaugurated the workshop. In her remarks, CSC Musa emphasized the workshop’s role in ensuring equal growth opportunities across the Service.
“This workshop will enable officers to contribute fully to the Service’s goals, irrespective of gender,” CSC Zara affirmed. “Under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS is committed to fostering a gender-inclusive workplace.”
This initiative builds on a previous capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity held by the NCS in April 2024 at Wells Carlton Apartments, Abuja, which launched efforts to advance gender equality across the Customs Service.
“These initiatives reflect CGC Adeniyi’s vision for a diverse and inclusive Service, where varied perspectives drive enhanced operations,” CSC Musa added.
Jennifer Goistene Burs from the WCO in Botswana, a workshop resource person, highlighted the positive impact of gender inclusivity on Customs service delivery. “We are committed to supporting NCS in finalizing the draft Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) action plan developed after the April sub-regional workshop,” Burs said, noting that the plan’s implementation would embed diversity within NCS operations.
Additional contributors included experts Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom, who shared strategies for creating an inclusive workplace culture that values contributions from all officers.
