The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has initiated a gender diversity workshop aimed at enhancing inclusivity within the Customs workforce. The workshop, held at the Old Federal Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, commenced on Monday, October 28, 2024.
This initiative aligns with the vision of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to establish an inclusive environment where every officer, irrespective of gender, is empowered to excel. Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Zara Musa, officially opened the event.
CSC Musa emphasized the workshop’s role in fostering a culture of equality within NCS, where all officers have equal opportunities for growth. “This workshop will pave the way for officers to contribute fully to the Service’s success, regardless of gender. CGC Adeniyi remains committed to nurturing a gender-inclusive environment within the NCS,” she said.
The workshop builds on earlier gender-inclusivity initiatives, including a session hosted by NCS in April 2024 at Wells Carlston Apartments, Abuja. CSC Musa noted that these ongoing efforts under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership aim to establish a culture where diverse perspectives strengthen Customs operations.
Jennifer Goistene Burs, a WCO resource person from Botswana, underscored the strategic impact of gender inclusivity on service delivery, adding that WCO is assisting NCS in finalizing its draft action plan on Gender Equality and Diversity (GED). Developed following the April sub-regional workshop, this plan aims to embed diversity as a core element of Customs operations.
Additional experts, including Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom, contributed insights on strategies for cultivating a workplace culture that values contributions from all officers.
This collaborative workshop highlights NCS’s commitment to strengthening inclusivity as it seeks to create an equitable and efficient Customs environment across Nigeria.