The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called on young officers of the Nigeria Customs Service to embrace innovation, discipline, and resilience as they progress in their careers, emphasizing that the future of the Service relies heavily on their dedication to excellence.
Speaking through the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, DCG Greg Itotoh, the Customs chief delivered this charge on Friday, 22 August 2025, during the graduation ceremony of 50 participants of Junior Course 22 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Held at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, the event marked another significant milestone in the College’s ongoing mission to prepare officers for greater responsibilities within the Service.
In his remarks, DCG Itotoh congratulated the graduating officers, attributing their success to hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to the high standards of discipline upheld by the institution.
He urged the officers not to rest on their laurels but to apply the lessons learnt to practical outcomes in their daily assignments.
“We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt. As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges,” he said.
He further reminded the officers that under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service prioritises innovation, and he encouraged them to take on tasks that improve efficiency and strengthen the Service’s global standing.
The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, described the occasion as “a unique day” for the institution, noting that the graduating officers had endured rigorous training focused on leadership, discipline, and professional development.
The Junior Course was designed to prepare young officers for the growing service demands in a complex and evolving operational environment. This cohort has invested significant mental, emotional, and physical effort, and their dedication has paid off,” ACG Adebakin said.
She added that, beyond academics, the course incorporated health checks, physical exercises, and activities that tested punctuality, teamwork, and conduct, all of which aimed to produce well-rounded officers.
Outstanding participants were awarded in leadership, discipline, marksmanship, and academic excellence categories, underscoring the training’s overall impact.
All 50 graduating students were also presented with certificates, signifying their successful course completion. The commandant urged them to serve as “good ambassadors” of the College as they returned to their Commands.