Customs Trains Newly Promoted Comptrollers in Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making
…As CGC Adeniyi Charges Officers on Integrity, Service Efficiency
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has kicked off a five-day leadership retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers, equipping them with the skills needed for effective service delivery.
The retreat, organized by the Department of Human Resources Development in collaboration with the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), began on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
While declaring the retreat open, 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 reminded the newly promoted officers of their increased responsibilities, emphasizing that they are now key decision-makers tasked with driving policy implementation.
“You have moved to this particular stage in service—more or less, you are now operating at the management level. For all you know, this is the last promotable rank you get, and because we interact with other members of society, you must know your roles at that level,” CGC Adeniyi told the participants.
He also urged them to prioritize the welfare of their subordinates, stressing that leadership is not just about technical expertise but also about responsibility and mentorship.
“You have to be interested in the welfare of your staff members. You also have a duty to protect the interests and dignity of the Service. In addition, you must prioritize continuous training and capacity-building programmes for officers and men under your command,” he added.
Leadership, Trade Facilitation, and Media Engagement
Speaking on the retreat’s significance, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Sulaiman Chiroma, Commander of TRADOC, described the training as a strategic investment in the future of 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 are pivotal in promoting trade facilitation, revenue generation, and economic growth. This training will give you the tools to effectively meet those responsibilities,” DCG Chiroma stated.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, also took the newly promoted officers through a session on Stakeholder Management, Media Relations, and Employee Engagement. He stressed the importance of effective communication in building trust 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 clearly and transparently.
Expert Lectures on Policy, Ethics, and National Security
The retreat featured several resource persons delivering insightful lectures. Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh (Human Resources Development) led a session on Team Building, while Assistant Comptroller-General Isah Umar (Headquarters) spoke on Integrity and Transparency.
Other sessions included:
Public Policy Management and Leadership Challenges by Prof. Hamid Sulaiman
Customs Import and Export Process and Procedure by Comptroller Naf’iu Isyaku
Regimentation in the Nigeria Customs Service by Comptroller Haniel Hadison, who warned against political involvement and urged officers to set high ethical standards for junior officers.
Border Crisis and National Security: An Appraisal by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who explored the complexities of border security and its impact on trade facilitation and national stability.
Commitment to Excellence
Wrapping up the retreat, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, speaking on behalf of CGC Adeniyi, congratulated the newly promoted officers and charged them to uphold professionalism and integrity.
He emphasized that the Service expects them to apply the knowledge gained from the retreat to improve Customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation across the country.
0 Comments