NIIA DG Osaghae Lauds NCS’s Capacity Building Initiative as Senior Officers Graduate

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae, has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s investment in human capital, citing its potential benefits to national development.

Professor Osaghae made the commendation at the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course in Complex Customs Operations, held on Friday, 11 July 2025, at the Institute in Lagos.

He stressed that the training is not just for the participants but the Service. “The CGC has just been elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), acknowledging what the Service stands for. So this is part of the process of strengthening the capacity of the NCS for better delivery, especially in the light of the more complex and increasingly more challenging circumstances under which they have to operate,” he said.

CGC Adeniyi addressing the Graduands at the ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi emphasised the Service commitment to continuous capacity building, highlighting its importance in equipping the senior officers to tackle evolving complexities.

He described the training as “a different level” of professional development to equip senior officers to confront new global trade, security, and customs administration challenges.

“We have structures for basic training, refresher courses, and command and staff college programmes, but this is a different level. With trainings like this, we expose our officers to global best practices, the dynamics in international trade, and how it affects their job on a day-to-day basis”, he noted.

CGC Adeniyi presenting Certificate of Participation to one of the Graduands.

CGC Adeniyi explained that the programme would undergo a thorough review before launching a second batch, emphasising curriculum evaluation and operational feedback.

“We will do some evaluation. We will assess what worked, what didn’t work during the course, and what components we can add or subtract. So that will determine, actually, when we can do the second batch.

Cross section of Graduands at the Institute on Friday.

“As for participants, the first graduates, these are accomplished customs officers. They are the future of the service. I expect they will be ambassadors of positive changes in the service,” he added.