CUSTOMS TRAINS 100 DEPUTY COMPTROLLERS FOR SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES

CUSTOMS TRAINS 100 DEPUTY COMPTROLLERS FOR SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES
By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun a strategic capacity-building programme for 100 Deputy Comptrollers to equip them for higher command responsibilities and reinforce ongoing reforms within the Service.

The Strategic Refresher Course commenced on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. It is being organised by the Human Resources Development Department in partnership with the Customs Police Unit.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Dow Gaura, said the participants were selected because they have been identified for future leadership positions.

According to him, the objective of the training goes beyond technical competence. “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,” ACG Gaura stated.

In a keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi told the officers that elevation to the rank of Deputy Comptroller comes with greater accountability. He stressed that leadership in the Service is about service to the institution and the country.
“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 said.

The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, also urged the participants to uphold the core values of the Service. He said senior officers must lead by example through discipline, regimentation, professionalism, personal conduct and how they relate with junior officers.

Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, explained that the course was designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the demands of senior management. He said the initiative reflects the Comptroller-General’s focus on continuous learning and institutional development.

He noted that officers at this level must constantly update their knowledge, sharpen their leadership skills, and maintain the highest standards of integrity expected of future managers of the Service.

Some of the participants described the training as timely and impactful. They commended the Comptroller-General for approving the programme and pledged to apply the lessons learned to strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency, and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service in their new postings across the country.

The week-long refresher is part of NCS efforts to build a leadership pipeline that can sustain reforms, improve service delivery, and position the Service to meet evolving trade and security challenges.