Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged the newly-inaugurated Junior Course 20 students to equip themselves on knowledge and skills that will help to safeguard national borders and protect the economy.
He said if the new students would heed the advice as it will be impacted on them during their training, they will be able to contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of safeguarding national borders and protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy.
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.
Adeniyi was represented by the Commander of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Bomai.
DCG Bomai also educated the newly-inaugurated students about the history of the college.
He 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 said the Service has made all arrangements to implement policies aimed at enhancing the skills of its staff through different initiatives. He urged the students 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.
He added: “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.
“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 Bomai assured that CGC Adeniyi is ready to support any officer willing to enhance their capacity, expressing confidence that the participants will make the NCS proud as drivers of positive transformation.
Assistant Comptroller-General Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant, NCCSC, Gwagwalada, highlighted the course as a critical enabler of the participants’ progression and aspirations in their noble careers.
He encouraged the participants to enhance their confidence and competence in revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security. He stressed that the capacity programme will prepare participants for increasing responsibilities in Command and Staff appointments.
ACG Egwuh said: “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 advised the students to comport themselves desirably and ensure they obey the rules and regulations, adding that erring students would attract severe sanctions.
The event marks the final official outing of DCG Suleiman Bomai as officer of the NCS after 35 years of meritorious service.
