Customs CG’s Vision Drives PTML Leadership Seminar for Senior Ranks

Customs CG’s Vision Drives PTML Leadership Seminar for Senior Ranks

Command says investment in people is key to revenue, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling mandates
By prince Benson Davies
The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited, PTML, Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has convened a capacity-building seminar for its senior officers as part of efforts to deepen leadership skills, promote professionalism and enhance operational efficiency.

The training, held on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 at the Command’s Conference Hall in Lagos, was organised in alignment with the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The focus was to build a workforce that is more responsive, disciplined and service-oriented in line with the Service’s national mandate.

Declaring the seminar open, the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, told participants that strong leadership remains central to achieving the Customs mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and the suppression of smuggling. He noted that when officers lead with integrity and clarity of purpose, it translates directly into better service for stakeholders and improved results for government. Miko also drew attention to the welfare of personnel, referencing the recently introduced Work-Life Balance Initiative as one of the Command’s steps to support the health and productivity of officers.

The day’s sessions were designed to equip senior officers with practical tools for modern command. Facilitators took participants through topics including strategic leadership, effective communication, decision-making under pressure, conflict resolution and the importance of ethical conduct in public service. Miko himself delivered the opening lecture titled “Leadership and Followership: Building a Culture of Collaboration and Excellence,” where he challenged officers to lead by example and foster unity across all units.

In his closing remarks, the Acting Area Controller commended the officers for their active participation and urged them to translate the lessons into improved service delivery at the ports. He further assured the trading community and other stakeholders that PTML Command remains committed to transparency, professionalism and creating an easier business environment.

The seminar brought together officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs. As part of the programme, two officers were recognized for outstanding performance. Assistant Comptroller J.O. Ezekuse, who oversees the Mile 2 Gate, and Chief Superintendent of Customs C.A. Ibrahim of the Legal Unit received Certificates of Excellence in acknowledgment of their diligence and commitment to duty.

Miko said the Command will continue to put structures in place to identify, reward and retain hardworking officers, stressing that excellence and selflessness will not go unnoticed. He concluded by charging all personnel to uphold the highest standards in their daily responsibilities.

The programme was documented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar.