Author: Bashir Muhammad.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its dedication to promoting gender equality in decision-making processes as part of its efforts to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

At a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity, co-organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the service.

Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event, where she emphasised the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS.

“Our aim is to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service’s success, regardless of gender,” the CGC said. “We are committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within our ranks, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our policies and practices reflect this commitment.”

The workshop brought together customs officials, gender experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting gender inclusivity and addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.

With this reaffirmed commitment, the NCS demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

Author: Ibe Wada.

The Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, ACG Hammi Swomen, has charged over 60 officers to remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service as they concluded an intensive training on weapon handling.

Swomen, who also represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, made this remark on Friday, 19 April 2024, during the passing out Ceremony of Officers of the Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, who were trained on weapon handling at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.

Expressing appreciation for the dedication of all involved, Swomen emphasised the significance of the training in enriching the Nigeria Customs Service.

He said, “This is a wonderful milestone, not just for the Zone but the entire service. It is a message we would carry far and wide”.

With retirement on the horizon, Swomen expressed confidence in the Service’s future, stating, “My primary constituency, NCS, is moving to greater heights.” He urged the trained officers to positively influence their colleagues as a way of renewing their commitment to the Service.

Addressing pressmen on how the training would contribute to the general goal and mission of the Service, he said, “It is all-encompassing, ranging from how they deal with members of the public to carrying out operational affairs and others. They had classroom work, study tour to Seme checkpoints and went for shooting range too”.

Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training, which addressed challenges faced by Customs Officers in the field, Outgoing Federal Operations Unit Comptroller Hussein Ejubunu remarked, “It behoves on the leadership to ensure that training and retraining of personnel is done as and when due. This crop of Officers were posted to the Zone and my Command and I felt the need for them to be retrained on weapon handling as this has become a challenge”.

“It is an indication that the Service will still go places and that we have competent trainers in the NCS that can train our men. I have no doubt in me with the present crop of Officers that are passing out today”. He acknowledged.

Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja, DC Haniel Hadison, expressed gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to conduct the one-month training on weapon handling.

Hadison emphasised the effectiveness of the modules covered, noting, “In the course of this training, we did not experience any casualty.”

Hadison highlighted its significance in addressing operational challenges faced by Customs Officers, from engaging with the public to executing operational affairs effectively.

…Reiterates COWA’s Plans For Robust Women Empowerment

Author: Muhammad Bashir.

National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Kikelomo Adeniyi, on Friday, 29 March, 2024, extended heartfelt Easter greetings to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Republic of Nigeria, and to all citizens of the nation.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja to commemorate Good Friday; a day marked by solemn reflection, and the forthcoming Easter celebrations, Mrs. Adeniyi urged Nigerians to ponder the profound message of love, sacrifice, and redemption while also emphasizing the importance of compassion, kindness, and unity during this spiritual season.

“In this season of spiritual significance, let us pause to contemplate the profound messages of love, sacrifice, and redemption. It is a time when hearts are stirred with compassion, minds are opened to kindness, and spirits are lifted with the promise of renewal. It is also a time for fervent prayer, as we beseech the Almighty for healing and unity to permeate every corner of our great land,” the statement reads.

Acknowledging the challenges of insecurity in some parts of the country and the prevailing economic hardships, Mrs. Adeniyi commended the level of President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing lasting solutions, recognizing the complexity of the issues and the efforts being made to address them.

“Despite the formidable obstacles, our government works tirelessly, day and night, to forge pathways toward lasting solutions. As patriotic citizens, we stand in solidarity with these efforts, steadfast in our belief that through collective resolve and divine intervention, Nigeria will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before,” the statement added

Mrs. Adeniyi reiterated COWA’s dedication to key into the visionary initiatives of women empowerment championed by Senator awayRemi Tinubu, to provide support and assistance to the women, especially widows of Nigeria Customs Service officers who lost their lives while discharging their lawful duties.

She emphasized the importance of uplifting and empowering women across Nigeria, announcing COWA’s plans for transformative projects and empowerment initiatives in 2024, adding that, “widows deserve our utmost respect and care, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that they receive the support they need to navigate life’s challenges with dignity and grace.”

The COWA National President, however, elaborated on these initiatives, outlining programs focused on skills training, entrepreneurship development, and access to education and healthcare for women in communities across Nigeria.

She emphasized the role of women as key agents of change and called for greater investment in their empowerment to drive sustainable development and societal progress.

Looking ahead, Adeniyi expressed optimism about the future and the potential for positive change in Nigeria while also advocating for unity and collaboration among citizens to overcome challenges and build a better nation for all.

She concluded her statement by extending warm wishes for a time of profound reflection, boundless joy, and abundant blessings for all Nigerians during the Easter season.