The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the second batch of its Strategic Refresher Course for 180 Deputy Comptrollers of Customs in Zone ‘A’, extending its nationwide leadership development initiative following the successful conclusion of the first batch held at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Declaring the workshop open on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, said continuous capacity building remains central to the Service’s transformation agenda.
Babandede urged participants to approach the refresher course as more than a routine exercise, reminding them that their leadership would shape the future of the Service. “This course is designed to prepare officers for an increasingly complex operating environment shaped by emerging security threats, technological innovations and evolving global trade dynamics, while bridging the generational leadership gap within the Service,” he said.
Also addressing the participants, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sanusi, described the participants as the critical link between the Service’s present leadership and its future. He charged them to uphold discipline, accountability and professionalism, stressing that leadership extends beyond operational performance.
“Our appearance, discipline, etiquette, communication, and relationship with sister agencies all reflect the values of our institution. In today’s digital age, every action becomes public within moments. One act of misconduct can damage a reputation built over decades, while exemplary conduct inspires confidence and strengthens the service’s credibility,” he cautioned.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller Aminu Ahmed, welcomed participants and encouraged them to maximise the opportunity by actively engaging in the sessions and applying the lessons learned to strengthen leadership, professionalism and service delivery across their commands.
Participants also described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that effective leadership requires emotional intelligence, mentorship and exemplary conduct.
Jointly organised by the Human Resource Development Department and the Customs Police Unit, the refresher course features sessions on the Future of Customs Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Regimental Compliance and other strategic topics aimed at preparing senior officers for the evolving demands of modern customs administration.
