The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has admonished Deputy Comptrollers of Customs to be ready and prepare for leadership. Adeniyi made the clarion call in Lagos on Thursday while addressing Deputy Comptrollers of Customs in Zone ‘A’ at the closing ceremony of the Strategic Refresher Course. The 180 Deputy Comptrollers were being trained on various leadership and professional roles preparing them to take over the leadership roles of the Service in few months time.
During his address, CGC Adeniyi caution on allowing their personal life style and self to override their leadership role in the NCS. “You must be self discipline, you must consider your actions and inactions in your leadership style in the Service.
“Your capacity to lead, what capacity do you have about the Service you are leading? All through my career, I have given attention to building my personal capacity, you must develop your personal capacity as a leader and be ready to carry out your responsibility with integrity” the CGC said
Adeniyi went further to say that training and self capacity building is key as the DCs set to take over ” Some of the things you were taught twenty years ago have changed, you now hear Authorize Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Studies ( dTRS) among others, which are new to trade. That is why the Service is investing a lot to building capacity locally and internationally. You must be ready to lead mentally and physically. Resist the temptation to invite external forces into the Service. Demonstrate the capacity that you are ready to takeover. My office is ready to get feedback from you and welcome you to NCS Management”, the CGC said.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator and ACG , Zone ‘A’, ACG Mohammed Babandede said this is a special moment for reflection, consolidation of knowledge, and
encouragement as the officers prepare to return to their various commands.
“This programme stands as a clear demonstration of the visionary leadership and commitment to personnel development of the Comptroller-General of Customs,
CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
“His progressive policies on capacity building continue to strengthen the Service and prepare senior officers like you for higher responsibilities in a dynamic operating environment.You have been thoroughly engaged with the important theme “Information Security and Professional Ethics in the Digital Age.” The sessions have reinforced the need for protection of official information and documents, responsible use of mobile phones and electronic devices, social media etiquette for senior officers, cyber-security awareness, and the ethical obligations of officers in a technology driven environment.
“As senior officers and true ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service, you are
now better positioned to set standards of discipline and professionalism, led by
personal example, manage public perceptions through transparency and fairness, and make sound decisions during operational challenges and crises.
I commend your dedication and active participation throughout this course. The presentations on Senior Officer Etiquette and Command Presence by Brig Gen RK
Apata and The Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as a Leadership Framework by AVM GI Jibia have provided practical tools for leadership excellence and
institutional transformation.Go forth and apply these lessons with renewed vigour, confidence, and commitment.
“You have what it takes to drive positive change and uphold the highest standards of the Service in all your assignments.” ACG Babandede charged.
In his own remarks at the event,
Deputy Comptroller Saulawa SANUSI PhD, Acting Provost Marshal the NCS appreciated the CGC for his visionary leadership and for graciously approving the capacity building programme ” I wish to express our profound appreciation to the CGC for his visionary leadership and gracious approval to organise this important capacity-building programme. Your unwavering commitment to continuous professional development has once again demonstrated your resolve to build a highly competent, disciplined, and future-ready leadership cadre for the Nigeria Customs Service.
“The Strategic Refresher Course has strengthened the leadership capacity, strategic thinking, operational effectiveness, and policy implementation skills of the Deputy Comptrollers of Customs who occupy critical command and management positions across the Service. The knowledge and competencies acquired will undoubtedly enhance professionalism, improve service delivery, reinforce discipline and accountability, and further position the Service to successfully deliver on its mandate in line with your transformational vision for a modern, innovative, and globally respected Customs administration.”
The Strategic Refresher Course dwells on some of the topics as :Senior Officer Etiquette and Command Presence: Enhancing Leadership, Professionalism and Institutional Excellence. Quarter Guard Practice. Information Security and Professional Ethics in Digital Age. The NCS Act 2023 as a Leadership Framework for Modern Customs Administration among others.
High point of the event was the vote of thanks delivered by Deputy Comptroller Patience Ita , Acting Controller Ondo/Ekiti Command , while a goodwill message was given by DCG Dera NNADI mni (rtd).
Resource persons for the training were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Serving and retired senior Customs officers and legal practitioners.