By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday inaugurated its 2026 Cadet Officers at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, marking the formal start of their professional training and preparation for national service.
DCG Sulaiman Chiroma, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (Training and Doctrine Command), represented Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the ceremony. Also present was the College Commandant, Deputy Comptroller Patience Okon Ita.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General, DCG Chiroma described the inauguration as a significant milestone that goes beyond entry into the Service. He said it represents a commitment to patriotism, discipline, integrity, and professional excellence.
According to a press release sighed by Ibrahim Haliru Isag, the College Acting Public Relations Officer, Chiroma outlined the strategic role of the NCS in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement of customs laws and border protection. Chiroma reminded the cadets that the Customs uniform symbolises public trust and national responsibility, urging them to uphold the law, respect the chain of command and reject corruption, abuse of office, and all forms of misconduct.
On revenue administration, he stressed the need for accurate assessment, collection and accountability of government revenue while facilitating legitimate trade efficiently. He called on the officers to balance firm enforcement with fairness, courtesy and professionalism in their dealings with traders and the public.
Chiroma also highlighted the importance of border security and inter-agency cooperation in tackling smuggling, illicit drugs, counterfeit products and other prohibited goods. He encouraged the cadets to embrace digital transformation, data analysis and intelligence-driven enforcement, noting that technological competence and continuous learning are essential for modern customs operations.
He charged the officers to demonstrate patriotism, courage, accountability and teamwork, describing their colleagues as future partners whose cooperation would be vital to their success. The reputation and effectiveness of the Service, he said, depend significantly on the character, competence and commitment of its personnel.
Chiroma formally inaugurated the cadets on behalf of the Comptroller-General, urging them to wear the uniform with pride, serve with honour and remain faithful to their oath of office.
In her remarks, Commandant Deputy Comptroller Patience Okon Ita expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General, the Nigeria Customs Service Board and the management team for their support for the College. She also acknowledged the guidance of TRADOC and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to maintaining high professional training standards.
Describing the institution as a centre for developing discipline, integrity and competence, she cautioned the cadets that recruitment does not guarantee successful completion of training. She urged them to show sound character, academic commitment and strict adherence to the College’s rules and regulations.
The Commandant commended the cadets for their conduct so far and encouraged them to remain focused. She also acknowledged the contributions of instructors, facilitators, the course coordinator and other staff members to the training programme.
The inauguration underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to producing disciplined, competent and ethically grounded officers capable of meeting the demands of contemporary customs administration. The newly inaugurated cadets are expected to apply the knowledge and values acquired during training to revenue protection, legitimate trade facilitation, border security and the enforcement of customs laws in support of Nigeria’s economic growth and national security.
