The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a strategic refresher course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as it prepares a new generation of senior leaders, with the next Comptroller-General of Customs expected to emerge from the rank when the incumbent, Adewale Adeniyi, completes his tenure in February next year.
The training, organised by the Service’s Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Representing the Comptroller-General, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Dow Gaura, confirmed that the carefully selected officers were being groomed for greater leadership responsibilities within the Service.
He said the course was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, discipline and leadership qualities required to lead by example and mentor the next generation of Customs officers.
“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 planning, conduct and exemplary leadership,” Gaura said.
Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi reminded participants that promotion to senior rank comes with greater responsibility rather than privilege.
“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, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, urged the officers to uphold discipline, professionalism and regimentation, stressing the need to maintain exemplary conduct, high professional standards and positive relationships with subordinates.
In his welcome address, Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa, also stated that the programme was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the expanded responsibilities of senior leadership.
He described the initiative as a reflection of the current Comptroller-General’s commitment to continuous capacity development, urging officers to continually strengthen their knowledge, leadership skills, discipline, professionalism and integrity.
Participants described the training as timely and impactful, pledging to apply the knowledge acquired to strengthen discipline, improve service delivery and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as they assume greater leadership responsibilities across the country.