Customs Service Holds Leadership Retreat for Newly Promoted Comptrollers
......CGC Adeniyi Emphasizes Strategic Leadership and Service Efficiency
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organized a five-day Leadership Retreat to equip newly promoted Comptrollers with essential skills for effective service delivery. The event, held at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, commenced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
A collaborative effort between the Department of Human Resources Development and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the retreat aimed to enhance leadership competencies among senior officers. Declaring the event open, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi delivered a lecture titled “The Strategic Environment and Effective Service Delivery in the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Adeniyi emphasized that the newly promoted Comptrollers now hold key decision-making roles, urging them to drive policy implementation effectively across various command levels.
“You have reached a critical stage in your career, operating at a management level. This is the last promotable rank, and you must recognize your responsibilities to the Service and the public,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of subordinates, maintaining integrity, and fostering continuous training programs to enhance operational efficiency.
Enhancing Leadership and Strategic Management
Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of Customs and TRADOC Commander, Sulaiman Chiroma, underscored the significance of the retreat in strengthening leadership capabilities. He commended CGC Adeniyi for facilitating the training, describing it as a crucial investment in the Service’s future.
“This retreat is designed to sharpen leadership skills and prepare Comptrollers to navigate the complexities of modern Customs operations. You play a vital role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national economic growth,” Chiroma noted.
Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, delivered a lecture on Stakeholder Management, Media Relations, and Employee Engagement. He highlighted the importance of proactive communication in maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Expert-Led Sessions on Key Customs Operations
Several senior Customs officials and experts facilitated training sessions on various aspects of Customs operations:
- DCG Greg Itotoh (Human Resources Development) led discussions on Team Building.
- ACG Isah Umar (Headquarters) addressed Integrity and Transparency.
- Prof. Hamid Sulaiman delivered insights on Public Policy Management and Leadership Challenges.
- Comptroller Naf’iu Isyaku presented on Customs Import and Export Process and Procedures.
The fifth and final day of the retreat focused on Leadership Ethics, Stakeholder Engagement, and National Security. Comptroller Haniel Hadison, in charge of Special Duties at the NCS Headquarters, delivered a lecture on “Regimentation in the Nigeria Customs Service,” urging the new Comptrollers to uphold discipline and avoid political engagements.
Additionally, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, provided an in-depth analysis of “Border Crisis and National Security: An Appraisal.” He examined the challenges of border security, trade facilitation, and Customs' role in strengthening Nigeria’s economic framework.
Commitment to Professionalism and Excellence
Closing the retreat on behalf of the Comptroller-General, DCG Greg Itotoh congratulated the newly promoted officers and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. He reiterated that the knowledge gained from the retreat should be effectively applied to improve Customs operations and facilitate trade efficiently.
The Leadership Retreat underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to capacity building, efficiency, and strategic leadership in advancing national economic and security interests.
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