The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised a five-day Leadership Retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers, aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary for effective service delivery.
The retreat, a collaboration between the Department of Human Resources Development and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), commenced on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at the Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Declaring the retreat open, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Strategic Environment and Effective Service Delivery in the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He underscored the significant responsibilities that accompany the new rank, urging the Comptrollers to see themselves as key decision-makers driving policy implementation at various command levels.
“You have now ascended to a critical stage in service, operating at the management level. This is, for many, the last promotable rank. Given your interactions with various stakeholders, you must understand the full scope of your responsibilities,” Adeniyi remarked.
He further emphasised the importance of leadership in fostering a productive work environment, stressing that effective management entails both technical expertise and a deep sense of responsibility towards subordinates.
Adeniyi encouraged the newly promoted officers to prioritise the welfare of their teams while upholding the integrity of the service.
“You must take an active interest in the welfare of your staff members while also safeguarding the interests and dignity of the service. Additionally, continuous training and capacity-building programmes should remain a top priority,” he added.
The Commander of TRADOC, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Sulaiman Chiroma, lauded the retreat as a strategic investment in the future of the Service.
He commended Adeniyi for facilitating the training, which he described as instrumental in strengthening leadership within the NCS.
“This retreat is designed to sharpen your leadership skills and enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of modern Customs operations. As Comptrollers, you play a vital role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and economic growth. This training will equip you with the tools to fulfil these responsibilities effectively,” Chiroma stated.
As part of the retreat, Assistant Comptroller and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a lecture on Stakeholder Management, Media Relations, and Employee Engagement.
He highlighted the importance of clear and effective communication in fostering strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Maiwada urged the Comptrollers to adopt a proactive approach in handling media relations, ensuring that Customs activities are communicated accurately and transparently.
Several other resource persons delivered insightful lectures during the retreat.