Customs Graduates 50 Officers, Charges Them to Lead With Integrity and Competence

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its leadership pipeline with the graduation of 50 officers from the three-month Junior Course 25 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, August 28, 2026, brought together senior Customs officials, stakeholders and families of the graduating officers as the Service reaffirmed its commitment to professional training and operational excellence.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, charged the graduates to make integrity, sound judgment and national interest the foundation of their leadership.

Adeniyi said the evolving nature of Customs administration demands more than technical knowledge and revenue collection, stressing the importance of competence, accountability and responsible decision-making in navigating today’s complex operational environment.

“Leadership is not defined solely by the rank that you wear, but is demonstrated through competence, fairness, courage and the responsibility you take,” Adeniyi told the officers.

He urged the graduates to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their training into effective leadership and improved performance in their various commands.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, also commended the officers for their commitment and dedication throughout the programme.

Gaura highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the institution, including the deployment of digital learning tools and strategic training partnerships with the Nigerian Army, aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of Customs training.

All 50 officers received certificates at the ceremony, while the three best-performing participants were recognised with special awards presented by the Comptroller-General.

The graduation activities began earlier in the week with a regimental dinner on Wednesday, August 26.

At the dinner, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Suleiman Chiroma, who represented the CGC, urged the officers to demonstrate vigilance, professionalism and decisive leadership as they return to their respective commands.

The latest graduation underscores the NCS’s continuing investment in human capital development as it seeks to build a more professional, responsive and operationally effective Customs Service.