By Helen Udoh,Outlook Media ABUJA.
In its unwavering efforts to refine the work efficiency of the Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service through training and re-training, the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, on 18 August 2923 in Gwagwalada Abuja, attained another breakthrough, after the college graduates 50 Officers of Junior Course 16.
The graduation ceremony, which took place at the College’s famous Conference Theater, Ahmed Makarfi Hall, was graced by the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ag. CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as the Special Guest of Honour.
Addressing the graduands, the Ag. CGC felicitated and expressed his commitment towards enhancing the professionalism of Customs Officers through training and capacity building.
“I congratulate you for attaining this level of finishing your course, having shown your commitment and competence in dealing with Customs rules.”
The Special Guest of Honor said, “I hereby urge you to make good use of what you have been taught and continue to be good ambassadors of the Service as you leave this college.”
He urged them to maintain good relationships with members of their host communities while contributing to revenue generation and enhancing border security.
The Customs Boss, while revealing some glad tidings to the Directing Staff, also assured the graduands to take the knowledge and skills they gained in the college with high esteem.
The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Chukwu Egwu, who earlier addressed the graduands, tasked them to put all they have learned during their training at the college, as the country awaits their positive contributions in the area of suppressing smuggling, generating revenue as well as facilitation of legitimate trade.
The Commandant said, “It is with great honour and privilege to be part of this graduation ceremony of Junior Course 16, 2023. It is without a doubt that you have spent three months having rigorous training. I congratulate you for your tenacity and commitment, which has led us to today’s occasion.”
“I want to urge you, the graduands, to build up your competence and capacity in discharging your official duty as trained Customs officers, having undergone this training at the college. I do not doubt that you are now well equipped and ready to serve the Nigeria Customs Service well.” ACG Kingsley said.
As part of the lineup during the occasion, Certificates and Awards were presented, including the best overall student of Junior Course 16. Some courses the Officers pass through include service writing, public speaking, and time management, amongst many others.
Before the Graduation Ceremony, the College organised a regimental pre-graduation dinner for the students on Wednesday, where the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic, Research and Policy, DCG Al-Bashir Hamisu, represented the Ag. CGC as the Special Guest of Honour.
Addressing the students during the feast, the Ag. CGC told them, “I have no doubts in my mind that considering the quality of training you have received, you all will be good ambassadors of the College and the Service at large – and I wish to implore you to exhibit your competence to your subordinates when you go back to your places of work.”
Junior Course is one of the Service’s tenets aimed at acquainting the organisation’s operatives with productive policies and ethics of Customs work for three months in the College.
