The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step in strengthening its operational and strategic leadership by graduating a new set of officers from its premier training institution.
Ceremony Marks Completion of Rigorous Training
On Tuesday, December 17, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) in Gwagwalada held a combined graduation ceremony for its Senior Course 13 and Junior Course 23. The event saw a total of 100 middle cadre officers successfully complete their training, which is a core part of the Service's efforts to boost leadership capacity and improve efficiency across all commands.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, college instructors, and special guests, underscoring the NCS's commitment to continuous professional development. Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola.
In her address, DCG Adeola congratulated the graduates and charged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training. "Capacity building remains a central pillar of the Nigeria Customs Service modernisation agenda," she stated. "Officers who pass through this College are expected to translate their training into improved service delivery across all Commands."
A Charge for Professionalism and Integrity
DCG Adeola further emphasized the critical role of the graduates as mentors within the Service. She urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and integrity, reminding them that younger officers would look up to them as role models.
The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Dow Gaura, commended the graduates for their dedication. He noted that the successful completion of the courses reflected the discipline, resilience, and intellectual rigour they demonstrated throughout the demanding program.
"The College remains committed to professionalising the Nigeria Customs Service through a curriculum that integrates customs law, leadership, operations management and strategic studies in line with global best practices," ACG Gaura affirmed.
A Transformative Experience for Graduates
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Course Senior for Senior Course 13, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Umar Garba, described the training as a transformative experience. He highlighted how the program enhanced their leadership capabilities, deepened their understanding of customs procedures, and broadened their perspective on inter-agency collaboration and national security.
The graduation ceremony featured several traditional elements, including:
- A Guard of Honour for the Special Guest of Honour.
- The presentation of certificates to all graduates.
- Awards to outstanding officers for exceptional performance during the courses.
Preceding the main event, a Regimental Dinner Night was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the College premises. This event upheld the long-standing service tradition of celebrating students after their rigorous training, which lasted three months for the Junior Course and six months for the Senior Course.
This latest graduation cycle reinforces the Nigeria Customs Service's strategic focus on building a highly skilled and professional workforce capable of meeting contemporary challenges in revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation.
