By Abra Iruoghene
With the aim of building capacity, strengthening discipline, and preparing officers for higher responsibilities, the Nigeria Customs Service has officially flagged off the Junior Course 23 on 25 September 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Suleiman Chiroma, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the college as a centre of discipline and excellence.
He noted that students admitted into the programme were carefully selected, adding that no participant has ever had to repeat the course. According to him, in due time, the names of the participants will be recorded in the history of the Service for a job well done.
The DCG further explained that, in the near future, no officer would be promoted without having passed through the college, stressing that participants must be intentional about personal growth, as they cannot return from the course in the same way they came.
He assured the students that the management had made adequate provisions for their welfare. He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his benevolence and commitment to ensuring the well-being of the customs officers.
“You should not only pass through the college but also allow the college to pass through you. Take the course so seriously to make the Service proud.” He said.
Still speaking, the DCG said, “The course is packed with skills. With your mind open, you will see things transparently. You will learn how to innovate and create new ideas. You belong to the middle cadre management level of the Service, and as such, you are the implementers of policies.”
“With the critical thinking of the CGC, his management team, and students who have passed through this college, several programmes have been developed that have taken the Service to the next level, particularly in enhancing trade facilitation. These include programmes such as Advance Ruling, Time Release Study, Authorised Economic Operators, among others.” He stated.
He assured the participants that, by the end of the course, they would emerge as better individuals, while also urging them to adopt discipline and show respect for one another.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, while addressing the students of Junior Course 23, described the institution as a place where potential champions are nurtured and trained.
Addressing the prospective students, ACG Adebakin acknowledged that some of them might feel emotional, depressed, or even afraid, but reminded them that failure is never the end of the road.
She urged them to maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges, citing the example of Thomas Edison, who, despite several failed attempts, eventually succeeded through perseverance and a positive outlook.
While encouraging them, she said, “Even in the Service, you may encounter challenges such as being stuck in a particular rank for years, but you must not be discouraged. The failures I experienced in the early stage of my life shaped me into the better version of who I am today.”
She charged the students to make the most of the opportunity for personal growth and for the benefit of the Service. Describing them as fortunate, she advised them to prepare for the task ahead and to use the three months of training wisely.
According to the ACG, the Directing Staff will guide them through the course curriculum, and by the end of the programme, their reasoning will be sharper, enabling them to provide reasonable and rapid responses to issues.
“You will be closely monitored medically and physically to ensure you are fit. Make sure you maintain a safe, secure, and sustainable environment, and manage the resources of the college wisely so as not to incur unnecessary costs,” she stated.
She assured the participants that the course is enriched with not only educational content but also engaging and fun activities.
However, ACG Adebakin emphasised that cheating would not be tolerated and failure would not be condoned, while expressing her wish to see all of them graduate with flying colours.
