BY ROSEMARY UGIOMOH
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is stepping up its game with a high-level training session for senior officers, aimed at grooming them for bigger responsibilities. 
The Senior Customs Command and Leadership Course kicked off on February 3, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, and it’s all about preparing these officers for the challenges ahead.
CGC Adewale Adeniyi made it clear: leadership is all about character, competence, and discipline. “At this level, your success is determined less by what you know and more by who you are,” he said, emphasizing that authority can reveal strengths and weaknesses. He urged the officers to avoid personalizing power and instead focus on building strong teams and institutions.
The training is packed with intensive sessions on leadership essentials, including emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and effective communication. The officers even analyzed the 4×100-metre relay race as a leadership case study, highlighting the importance of teamwork, synergy, and collective responsibility.
Adeniyi challenged the officers to justify the Service’s investment in their development by delivering results and building capable teams. 
“The quality of future leadership depends on the decisions, discipline, and mindset of those currently being trained,” he said, encouraging them to absorb the experience and apply the lessons learned to advance the NCS.
