By Abdulmumini Ashiru
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.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (Training and Doctrine Command), DCG Sulaiman Chiroma, 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
