ZAINAB JUNAID
NCS Celebrates Trailblazers on International Women’s Day
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) takes pride in celebrating the remarkable achievements of its female Officers.
These trailblazers have shattered glass ceilings, defied stereotypes, and proven themselves to be invaluable assets to the Service.
From the ranks of Customs Assistant 111 to Deputy Comptroller General ranks, women in Customs have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication. They have played pivotal roles in shaping the Service’s policies, operations, and successes.
They have made their mark across all facets of the Service from border security to intelligence gathering and cargo inspection to leadership roles.
While balancing career and family life remains a challenge, the leadership of the Service, under the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has fostered an inclusive and supportive environment where female officers can thrive.
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in an Opinion written on Saturday, 8 March 2025, is proud to celebrate its trailblazing women on International Women’s Day.
DCG NIAGWAN
According to Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of the Tariff and Trade Department, Caroline Niagwan, the Service, among other initiatives, has demonstrated commitment to gender inclusivity by supporting and sponsoring Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Olanike Balogun in her journey from cabin crew member to becoming the first female licensed pilot in the service.
Olanike Nafisat Balogun has made history as the first female pilot in the NCS. Her journey began in 2002, and she has since become a symbol of resilience and determination.
Olanike Nafisat Balogun
Speaking further, DCG NIAGWAN said, “This development shows the service commitment to inclusivity, capacity building and innovation. You can now find women at different levels of the workforce; women have risen to leadership positions, and this shows career progression is possible for female officers”.
As the Service embraces technology to modernise its operations, female officers are key in leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency.
DCG ICT/Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola
The DCG ICT/Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, commended the significant contributions of women in driving innovation within the service.
“For instance, the DCG Excise, Uche Nwafor has brought in out of the box solution that brought revenue that has never been recorded in excise. In the same way in ICT, we have mentored so many officers that we even presently have a World Customs Organization (WCO) chair as one of the ICT officers, a WCO expert in risk management, single window and so on,” she said.
The DCG encouraged women to forge ahead to improve the country and the world, saying, “We have what it takes, we have all it takes. We understand the terrain, and God is with us; let us continue to forge ahead to make Nigeria greater and the world better.”
Comptroller Joy Edeldouk
Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated sector, female officers like Comptroller Joy Edeldouk, in charge of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Comptroller Sarah Wadinda, in charge of the Lagos Industrial Command, and Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji of Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, among others have demonstrated competence, discipline, and resilience in their leadership roles.
Comptroller Sarah Wadinda
However, as we honor these women and many others like them, it’s important to reaffirm the commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji
Lets continue to recognize that gender balance is not solely a women’s issue, but an economic issue that benefits everyone. So let us keep pushing for progress, to challenge biases and stereotypes, and also support each other in the pursuit of equality.
DCG NIAGWAN, DCG Kikelomo, Comptroller Edeldouk and Comptroller Wadinda showcasing their exceptional ability in exceeding set mandates. Their essence is a blend of beauty, strength, and grace.
JD Tomo
