The Nigeria Customs Service reinforced leadership development with a Senior Customs Command and Leadership Course at Gwagwalada Command and Staff College.
The training, for Batch A, commenced on 3 February 2026, focusing on preparing senior officers for higher responsibilities and operational challenges.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the programme as a defining investment in the Service’s future during his address on 4 February.
He urged participants to avoid hoarding knowledge, personalising authority, or engaging in unhealthy competition that could undermine institutional culture and accountability.
Adeniyi emphasised that leadership exposes both strengths and weaknesses, noting officers must reflect on their discipline, judgment, and values under pressure.
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He added, “Growth does not occur in comfort zones; this course challenges officers to confront personal and professional limitations deliberately.”
The programme examined leadership essentials, including authenticity, integrity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, effective communication, and business acumen for operational excellence.
Officers also studied teamwork through the 4×100-metre relay, highlighting the importance of synergy, timing, trust, and collective responsibility in high-performing teams.
Discussions explored how teamwork breakdowns foster hostile and unproductive environments, and identified key elements of strong teams: mindset, mission, methods, movement, and message.
Adeniyi encouraged officers to justify the Service’s investment by translating lessons into tangible results, building capable teams, and preparing future leaders effectively.
He congratulated participants for reaching a career milestone, urging them to absorb experiences, reflect honestly, and apply insights to strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service.
