By Harriet Tornguvan
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged newly enrolled students of Junior Course 20 to fully embrace the knowledge and skills offered during their training to contribute significantly to the mission of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding national borders and upholding the nation's economic integrity.
Speaking on behalf of the CGC, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Sulaiman Bomai, addressed the students during a ceremony at the Ahmad Makarfi Theater, Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College NCCSC, Gwagwalada, on Tuesday, 24 September 2024.
Bomai emphasized the importance of the training, describing it as a core tradition of the institution and a key element in reinforcing the values of dedication, discipline, and ongoing development that are central to the Nigeria Customs Service.
He further highlighted that the NCS is committed to implementing various policies to enhance the skills of its personnel.
"This training is an opportunity for you to grow and develop professionally. It is a challenge you must embrace for your own success and the advancement of the Service".
Bomai also called on the participants to be innovative and generate new ideas to help drive the transformation of the Customs Service.
"This is just the beginning. You represent the future of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the knowledge you gain here will enable you to take on the responsibilities ahead. Make the most of this moment and rise to the challenges."
CGC Adeniyi encouraged the students to have a positive impact on the Service and to look up to their facilitators as role models.
He also urged the instructors to be attentive to the students' needs, both academically and in terms of welfare.
"Acquire the knowledge necessary to propel the Service forward," he added.
Deputy Comptroller-General Bomai assured that the Customs leadership remains committed to supporting any officer willing to enhance their skills and expressed confidence that the participants would become key drivers of positive change within the Service.
Assistant Comptroller-General Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, stressed that the course is crucial for participants’ career progression.
He encouraged them to build their confidence and expertise in areas such as revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.
"This course is designed to enhance your command, leadership, and communication skills, equipping you to tackle the challenges facing modern Customs operations.
The ceremony also marked the final official engagement of DCG Sulaiman Bomai, who retired after 35 years of distinguished service.
