By|| Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to strengthen its leadership pipeline with the commencement of a high-level training programme for senior officers at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
The initiative, the Senior Customs Command and Leadership Course (Batch A), began on Monday, February 3, 2026, and is aimed at preparing officers for higher responsibilities amid evolving operational, security and trade facilitation challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of the Service. He stressed that leadership in the NCS is not confined to rank, warning against the gradual erosion of standards, institutional culture and accountability as experienced officers exit the system.
Adeniyi explained that the course is structured to test participants’ character, competence and discipline, noting that leadership has a way of revealing both strengths and weaknesses. He cautioned officers against personalising authority, hoarding knowledge or engaging in unhealthy competition, emphasising that enduring institutions are built on shared purpose, mentorship and continuity.
“At this level, your success is determined less by what you know and more by who you are,” the CGC said.
“The authority you wield amplifies character. It exposes strength, but it also reveals weakness. This course is designed to push you out of your comfort zone, because growth does not happen in comfort.”
According to him, the leadership programme comes at a defining moment in the history of the NCS, adding that the quality of future leadership will be shaped by the decisions, discipline and mindset of officers currently undergoing training.
The course features intensive sessions on leadership fundamentals, including authenticity and integrity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, effective communication, business acumen and stakeholder management.
Participants also examined the 4×100-metre relay race as a leadership case study, drawing lessons on teamwork, synergy, timing and collective responsibility. Further discussions highlighted how breakdowns in collaboration can create hostile, hindering and hypocritical work environments, while outlining the building blocks of high-performing teams — mindset, mission, methods, movement, message and leadership by example.
Adeniyi urged participants to justify the Service’s investment in their development by translating knowledge into tangible results, building strong teams and grooming future leaders.
He congratulated the officers on reaching a major career milestone and encouraged them to fully engage with the programme, reflect honestly and apply the lessons learned to advance the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service.
