Capacity Building: NCCSC Gwagwalada Inaugurates Students of Senior Course 12, Junior Course 21
Author: Abdulkareem Zurmi.
The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, officially commenced training officers under Senior Course 12 and Junior Course 21 on Thursday, 6 February 2025. The three-month intensive programme for junior course and six-month senior course, inaugurated at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, is crucial in preparing officers for greater responsibilities within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Oluyomi Adebakin, emphasised the significance of the training in equipping officers to handle both national and international challenges. She reaffirmed the college’s commitment to providing the necessary resources, guidance, and an enabling environment to ensure officers excel in their duties.
“I would like to build on an agenda that resonates with my initials, O.A.A.—Open-door policy, Accommodation, and Automation. This vision aims to enrich the college’s legacy of excellence and further solidify its position as a hub for capacity building within the Nigeria Customs Service,” ACG Adebakin stated.
“The prestigious Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College has consistently produced effective middle-level management officers and beyond, who drive the Service’s agenda across various commands and units. The Senior and Junior Courses are the college’s two major programmes, designed to prepare middle-level management officers for higher responsibilities.” She stated.
She urged participants to approach the programme with dedication, flexibility, and a growth mindset, assuring them that the training would strengthen their leadership, decision-making, and operational skills. She encouraged officers to see this as an opportunity to refine their knowledge, enhance their professionalism, and contribute meaningfully to advancing the Nigeria Customs Service.
Emphasising the importance of teamwork, integrity, and discipline, she reminded officers that their success in the programme would directly impact their future careers. She further reassured them that the Directing Staff were well-equipped to support them, urging them to trust in their expertise. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, noting that officers’ medical status would be closely monitored to ensure their well-being.
The Special Guest of Honour, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Suleiman Chiroma, in his first official engagement as Commander TRADOC, echoed the Commandant’s sentiments, describing the training as essential to repositioning the Service for evolving challenges.
He emphasised that officers must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, stating that the training was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about shaping their character.
“I would like to stress that this institution is specifically designed to provide course participants with a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development. The competencies you acquire here will be critical in adapting to the dynamic nature of global trade,” DCG Chiroma remarked.
He added, “This capacity-building initiative is the cornerstone of the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic objectives, aimed at repositioning the Service to effectively respond to emerging trends. By investing in your professional development, the Service expects to reap the rewards of your training, respond to shifting global dynamics, and capitalise on the emerging opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.”
He also revealed that the course would introduce a new assessment module to evaluate officers’ capabilities, ensuring that those who complete the programme are well-prepared for their future roles. He urged participants to take the training seriously, abide by the college’s rules and regulations, and maximise the benefits of the programme. He reminded them that their service records would ultimately reflect the effort and commitment they put into their training.
DCG Chiroma further noted that the officers selected for the programme were chosen based on merit, demonstrating the Service’s trust in their abilities. He encouraged them to make full use of the available resources, engage with their peers, and strive for excellence, as the knowledge and experience gained would distinguish them in their careers.
