NCS Equips 100 Deputy Comptrollers for Strategic Leadership

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a strategic leadership training programme for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of efforts to prepare a new generation of senior officers for higher responsibilities and strengthen ongoing reforms within the Service.

The Strategic Refresher Course, organised by the Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Dow Gaura, described the participants as officers carefully selected for future leadership positions.

He said the programme was designed to equip them with the knowledge and values required to lead by example, stressing that effective leadership goes beyond technical competence.

According to him, the training focuses on discipline, succession planning, professional conduct and leadership, noting that the officers are expected to serve as role models for the next generation of Customs personnel.

"The training goes beyond professional competence; it focuses on discipline, succession, conduct and leadership," Gaura said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi reminded participants that promotion to higher ranks comes with increased responsibility rather than personal privilege.

He urged the officers to embrace selfless service, stating that the rank of Deputy Comptroller confers responsibility to the Service, colleagues, subordinates, government and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, charged participants to uphold the core values of regimentation, discipline and professionalism.

He emphasised that senior officers must lead by example through exemplary conduct, appearance and positive relationships with their subordinates.

Earlier, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, said the refresher course was designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the greater responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions in the Service.

Saulawa noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General to continuous capacity building, adding that officers must consistently update their knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and integrity.

Some participants commended the Comptroller-General for approving the programme, describing it as timely and impactful.

They pledged to apply the knowledge gained during the course to strengthen discipline, improve service delivery and uphold the image of the Nigeria Customs Service as they take on higher leadership responsibilities across the country.