Customs Trains Officers In Readiness For Future Responsibilities

By Winifred Ngozi Orji 

Harboursandport.com: Abuja, Nigeria - 6, February 2025: In a bid to prepare it's officers and men for future responsibilities, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS training arm, the Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, has officially commenced training officers under Senior Course 12 and Junior Course 21.

The three-month intensive programme for junior course and six-month senior course, inaugurated at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, is crucial in preparing officers for greater responsibilities within the Service.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Oluyomi Adebakin, emphasized the significance of the training in equipping officers to handle both national and international challenges. 

She reaffirmes the college's commitment to providing the necessary resources, guidance, and an enabling environment to ensure officers excel in their duties. "I would like to build on an agenda that resonates with my initials, 0.A.A.-Open-door policy, Accommodation, and Automation. This vision aims to enrich the college's legacy of excellence and further solidify its position as a hub for capacity bilding within the Nigeria Customs Service," Adebakin stated.

She said, "The prestigious Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College has consistently produced effective middle-level management officers and beyond, who drive the Service's agenda across various commands and units. The Senior and Junior Courses are the college's two major programmes, designed to prepare middle-level management officers for higher responsibilities"

She encouraged participants to engage with the program with dedication, flexibility, and a growth mindset, assuring them that the training would enhance their leadership, decision making, and operational skills. She urged officers to view this as an opportunity to refine their knowledge, boost their professionalism, and contribute significantly to the advancement of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Emphasizing the significance of teamwork, integrity, and discipline, she reminded officers that their success in the program would directly influence their future careers. She also reassured them that the Directing Staff were well-prepared to support them, encouraging them to trust in their expertise. Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, mentioning that officers' medical status would be closely monitored to ensure their well-being.

The Special Guest of Honour, Deputy Comptroller-General, DCG, Suleiman Chiroma, in his first official engagement as Commander TRADOC, echoed the Commandant's sentiments, stating that the training is crucial for repositioning the Service to meet evolving challenges.

He stressed that officers must maintain the highest standards of professionalism, noting that the training was not merely about gaining knowledge but also about developing their character. 

"I would like to stress that this institution is specifically designed to provide coUrse participants with a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development. 

The competencies you acquire here will be critical in adapting to the dynamic nature of global trade," Chiroma remarked.

His words: "This capacity-building initiative is the cornerstone of the Nigeria Customs Service's strategic

objectives, aimed at repositioning the Service to effectively respond to emerging trends. By investing in

your professional development, the Service expects to reap the rewards of your training, respond to shifting

global dynamics, and capitalise on the emerging opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world."

He also mentioned that the course would include a new assessment module to gauge the officers' capabilities, ensuring that those who finish the program are adequately prepared for their future roles. 

He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, follow the college's rules and regulations, and make the most of the program. He reminded them that their service records would ultimately reflect the effort and dedication they invest in their training.