The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, played host to a historic three-day reunion from Monday, June 31, 2025, bringing together past and present Directing Staff in a ceremony marked by reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to professional development within the Service.
The reunion, which began with a Regimental Dinner at the College cafeteria, attracted a distinguished assembly of retired and serving senior Customs officers, military personnel, and other invited dignitaries. The event was organised to foster camaraderie, institutional pride, and unity among those who have played pivotal roles in shaping the intellectual and operational backbone of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who graced the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, used the platform to celebrate the legacy of the College and pay tribute to the Directing Staff who have served over the years. Reflecting on his own journey, Adeniyi recalled his tenure as a former Directing Staff and Commandant of the College.
“The College played a central role in my professional development. It instilled in me the importance of training, mentorship, and strategic thinking in Customs operations,” the CGC said.
He commended the past and outgoing instructors for their dedication and pledged greater institutional support for their welfare and career advancement.
“We are committed to supporting the welfare of Directing Staff. I will request that your names be recorded, so those who serve here are recognised and rewarded through strategic redeployments to commands and departments where their expertise can further benefit the Service,” he added.
On the second day of the event, retired Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Chide echoed the CGC’s remarks, stressing the importance of preserving institutional memory and acknowledging the role of instructors in sustaining the Nigeria Customs Service’s growth.
“When I served as Commandant of this College, I witnessed first-hand the professionalism of our instructors. This reunion is a fitting tribute to their efforts. The CGC remains committed to strengthening this institution and uplifting its people,” Chide noted.
The current Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, described the reunion as a strategic initiative to reconnect the College’s alumni network and reinforce the sense of purpose among those who have contributed to its evolution.
“We’ve coordinated numerous courses over the years, but rarely do we pause to appreciate those working behind the scenes. This get-together bridges the past and present. We’re sending a clear message to the Customs community: your service here is not forgotten,” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of other attendees, former Directing Staff Comptroller Haniel Hadison expressed gratitude for the College’s continued relevance and commitment to excellence.
“Being back here brings a deep sense of fulfilment. This is where we trained minds and shaped leaders. It’s encouraging to see that spirit preserved and celebrated,” Hadison said.
The reunion is seen as part of the CGC’s broader agenda to enhance institutional pride, improve staff welfare, and strengthen knowledge-sharing within the Nigeria Customs Service.