By peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service has organised a week-long leadership retreat for its newly promoted Comptrollers, aimed at enhancing leadership capacity, promoting innovation, and strengthening institutional integrity across its commands and formation.
The retreat, which took place at the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi Auditorium, Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, was formally declared open on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), DCG Sulaiman Chiroma. It was officially closed on Friday, October 11, 2025, by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resource Development, DCG Greg Itotoh.
While declaring the event open, DCG Chiroma described the retreat as part of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ ongoing reform agenda, designed to adequately prepare newly promoted officers for higher leadership roles in line with international customs standards.
He urged the officers to embrace intentional leadership, and to consistently uphold the core values of discipline, accountability, and innovation. He stressed that their actions and performance in office would shape public perception of the Service.
DCG Chiroma stated, “This retreat offers a vital platform to realign with the Comptroller-General’s three-point agenda: collaboration, consolidation, and innovation. It is essential that every officer plays a meaningful role in driving the Service’s modernisation efforts.”
He emphasized that as strategic leaders, Comptrollers must exhibit professionalism and foster teamwork in translating the CGC Adewale Adeniyi’s vision into tangible outcomes—particularly in enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening border security.
In his closing remarks, DCG Greg Itotoh commended the newly promoted Comptrollers for their active participation and dedication throughout the retreat. He described their elevation as both a recognition of past performance and a call to even greater responsibilities.
“You now occupy strategic positions in Customs leadership,” he said. “Your rank places you at the forefront where integrity, professionalism, and accountability must guide your decisions. The Nigeria Customs Service expects the highest standards from you.”
He added, “You are now managers of men and resources. Every action you take, every decision you make, reflects not only on your personal leadership but also on the image and credibility of the Service.
DCG Itotoh further reminded the participants that promotion comes with elevated expectations, urging them to apply the knowledge gained from the retreat to enhance operational efficiency and mentor their subordinates.
He stressed that their loyalty to the Service must translate into impactful leadership, improved service delivery, stronger stakeholder engagement, and sustained revenue generation.
During the retreat, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a lecture titled “Stakeholder Management, Media Community, and Employee Relationship.”
AC Maiwada highlighted the critical role of effective communication in achieving institutional goals. He advised the newly promoted Comptrollers to avoid gossip and instead focus on building constructive relationships with staff and stakeholders.
“Public Relations is not just about sharing information,” Maiwada said. “It’s about fostering trust, maintaining credibility, and ensuring that every officer represents the integrity of the Service.”
He emphasized that transparency and consistent engagement with the business community are key to the success of the CGC’s reform agenda.
Following the closing ceremony, Comptrollers Usman Yahaya, Murtala Mu’azu, and Josephine Egwakide spoke to journalists, expressing their deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the management team for the confidence reposed in them.
They pledged to carry out their responsibilities diligently, uphold the Service’s image, and contribute meaningfully to the realization of the CGC’s vision for institutional excellence and stakeholder trust.
