Up your skills, knowledge to safeguard our borders, national economy – CGC Adeniyi

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi charged the newly inaugurated students of junior course 20 to take heed to the knowledge and skills that would be impacted on them during their training to contribute meaningfully to the Nigeria Customs Service’s mission of safeguarding national borders and protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy.

Represented by the Commander of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Bomai, CGC Adeniyi made the call while addressing the students at the Ahmad Makarfi Theater of Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) in Gwagwalada on Tuesday 24 September, 2024.

Educating the students about the history of the college, DCG Bomai said, “This ceremony marks a significant tradition in the history of our esteemed institution and reinforces the core values of dedication, discipline, and continuous development that have long been the pillars of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

He revealed that the Service has made all arrangements to implement policies aimed at enhancing the skills of its staff through different initiatives, and also urged them to embrace the challenge of being engaged in the training as an opportunity for growth and development.

DCG Bomai, however, emphasised the need for participants to generate new ideas and innovations to drive the service’s transformation, adding “Remember that this is only the beginning. You are the future of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the knowledge you gain here will empower you to carry the torch forward. Seize this moment, make the most of this experience, and rise to the challenges ahead.”

The CGC remarked, “I encourage you to make positive impacts and view your facilitators as role models, aspiring to become like them in the future. I also urge trainers to provide a listening ear in assisting and guiding you on your studies and welfare issues. Acquire knowledge to propel the Service forward.”

DCG Sulaiman Bomai assured that the CGC is ready to support any Officer willing to enhance their capacity, expressing confidence that the participants will make the Service proud as drivers of positive transformation.

On his part, Assistant Comptroller-General Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada highlighted the course as a critical enabler of participants’ progression and aspirations in their noble careers.

The Commandant encouraged participants to enhance their confidence and competence in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. He stressed that the capacity program prepares participants for increasing responsibilities in Command and Staff appointments.

He explained, “The course is designed to develop your Command, leadership, and communication skills to effectively carry out your work in the service. These skills are essential to address challenges confronting modern Customs operations.”

The Commandant further cautioned students to comport themselves desirably and ensure they obey the rules and regulations, as erring students would attract severe sanctions.

The event marks the final official outing of DCG Suleiman Bomai after 35 years of meritorious service.