The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers to prepare them for higher leadership responsibilities and to sustain ongoing reforms within the Service.
The workshop, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, opened 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 training open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
ACG Gaura described the participants as officers carefully selected for elevation, noting that the training was designed to prepare them to lead by example. “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.
In a keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi reminded the officers that promotion comes with greater responsibility. “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.
The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, also charged participants to uphold the traditions of regimentation, discipline and professionalism. Earlier, the Ag. Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, said the course reflects the CGC’s commitment to continuous capacity building and to ensuring officers update their knowledge and leadership skills.
Participants commended the Comptroller-General for approving the training, describing it as timely and impactful. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen discipline, improve service delivery, and protect the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they assume higher leadership responsibilities across the country.
Credit: NCS
