By Omolade AbdulKareem
Harboursandport.com: Lagos- October 31, 2024: The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization WCO, has officially launched a workshop aimed at promoting gender diversity within its workforce.
The event which was held at the Old Federal Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, commenced on Monday, 28 October 2024, and marks a significant step in the NCS's commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
The workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Zara Musa, the NCS's National Contact Point.
In her opening address, Musa emphasized the workshop's vital role in creating a workplace that provides equal opportunities for all officers, irrespective of gender.
"This workshop will pave the way for officers to contribute fully to the Service's success, regardless of gender," she stated. Musa reiterated the commitment of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to nurturing a gender-inclusive environment within the NCS.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership to advance gender equality in the Service. The current workshop follows a previous capacity-building session held in April 2024 at Wells Carlston Apartments in Abuja, focusing on gender inclusivity.
"These initiatives form a series of efforts aimed at advancing gender equality across the Service, promoting a culture where diverse perspectives contribute to enhanced Customs operations," CSC Musa noted. This ongoing commitment reflects the NCS’s recognition of the importance of gender diversity in improving operational effectiveness and service delivery.
The workshop featured contributions from experts, including Jennifer Goistene Burs, a resource person with the WCO from Botswana. Burs highlighted the strategic significance of gender inclusivity, stating, "We are committed to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in finalizing the draft action plan on Gender Equality and Diversity GED, which was developed following the sub-regional workshop organized in April." She said.
She noted that implementing this action plan would be crucial for embedding diversity within the Service's operations.
Additional insights were provided by experts Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom, who discussed effective strategies for cultivating a workplace culture that values and supports the contributions of all officers. Their contributions underscored the necessity of gender diversity not just as a goal, but as a catalyst for improving overall service delivery and operational success within the NCS.
As the workshop progresses, it aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to champion gender diversity initiatives within their respective units, ultimately driving the Nigeria Customs Service toward a more inclusive future. The ongoing efforts signify a pivotal shift towards embracing diversity as a fundamental component of the Service's operational principles.
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