The Nigeria Customs Service has graduated 50 officers from its Junior Course 22 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
In a statement on X (Formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, urged young officers to embrace innovation, discipline, and resilience as they advance in their careers, noting that the service future depends on their commitment to excellence.
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh, Adeniyi gave the charge on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, describing the event as another milestone in the College’s mission to groom officers for higher responsibilities.
Itotoh congratulated the graduates, attributing their success to “hard work, resilience, and zeal to maintain the high level of discipline demanded by the institution.”
He urged the officers to apply the lessons learnt to practical outcomes in their daily assignments, saying:
“We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt.
“As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges.”
He also reminded the officers that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service prioritises innovation, encouraging them “to take on tasks that improve efficiency and strengthen the Service’s global standing.”
The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, described the occasion as “a unique day” for the institution, noting that the graduating officers had endured rigorous training focused on leadership, discipline, and professional development.
“The Junior Course was designed to prepare young officers for the growing service demands in a complex and evolving operational environment.
“This cohort has invested significant mental, emotional, and physical effort, and their dedication has paid off,” Adebakin said.
She added that the course also incorporated health checks, physical exercises, and activities testing punctuality, teamwork, and conduct to produce well-rounded officers.
According to NCS, outstanding participants were recognised in leadership, discipline, marksmanship, and academic excellence categories.
All 50 graduates also received certificates marking their successful completion, with the commandant urging them to serve as “good ambassadors” of the colleges as they return to their commands.
