Capacity Building Takes Centre Stage as NCS Graduates Senior Officers in NIIA

Capacity Building Takes Centre Stage as NCS Graduates Senior Officers in NIIA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous capacity building, as highlighted by the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, during the graduation ceremony for the Senior Executive Course in Complex Customs Operations. This event took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos.

In his address, the Comptroller-General described the training as a significant advancement in professional development, aimed at equipping senior officers to tackle the evolving challenges in global trade, security, and customs administration. He emphasized that while the NCS has established programs for basic training and refresher courses, this particular course represents a "different level" of training. 

Adeniyi stated, “With trainings like this, we expose our officers to global best practices, the dynamics in international trade, and how it affects their job on a day-to-day basis." He also mentioned that the program would undergo a comprehensive review before the second batch is launched, focusing on curriculum evaluation and operational feedback. 

He further remarked on the graduates, stating, “These are accomplished customs officers. They are the future of the service. I expect they will be ambassadors of positive changes in the service.”

Professor Eghosa Osaghae, the Director-General of the NIIA, praised the NCS for its investment in human capital, noting the broader implications for national development. He highlighted the recent election of the CGC as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) as a recognition of the Service's significance.

Osaghae remarked, “This is not just for the participants; it’s for the Service. This initiative is part of the process of strengthening the capacity of the NCS for better delivery, especially in the light of the more complex and increasingly challenging circumstances under which they have to operate.”

The participants expressed their gratitude to the NCS leadership for the opportunity to enhance their expertise and contribute positively to the Service.