By Joy Onu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun preparing 100 Deputy Comptrollers for higher leadership responsibilities as part of efforts to strengthen its command structure and sustain institutional reforms.
The Strategic Refresher Course, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, is focused on sharpening the leadership capacity, professional conduct and managerial skills of senior officers expected to assume greater responsibilities within the Service.
Accord
ing to a statement issued on Thursday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the training, which commenced on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, is aimed at strengthening succession planning and ensuring leadership continuity as the Service advances its modernisation agenda.
At the opening of the programme, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the selected officers were expected to become role models and help shape the future direction of the Service.
Gaura stressed that leadership at the senior level requires more than technical expertise, noting that discipline, accountability and ethical conduct are essential qualities for officers entrusted with strategic responsibilities.
In his keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi charged the participants to see their elevation in rank as a call to greater service rather than personal privilege.
He urged them to remain committed to the values of responsibility, professionalism and loyalty to the Service, government and stakeholders.
The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, also challenged the officers to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism, saying senior officers must lead by example through their conduct and relationship with personnel under their command.
Meanwhile, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, said the programme reflects the management’s focus on continuous capacity development as a tool for improving efficiency and strengthening institutional performance.
Some participants who spoke about the training described it as timely, pledging to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service.
