The Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun following her outstanding achievement of obtaining a commercial multi-engine pilot license in the United States of America, marking a historic milestone in the service.

The celebration, organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, brought together senior officers, management staff, and colleagues who gathered to honour her breakthrough accomplishment.

Balogun’s achievement is particularly significant as she becomes the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service, a field long dominated by men.

Speaking during the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs and Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s journey as inspiring, noting that her transition from cabin attendant to licensed commercial pilot represents a major professional transformation within the service.

According to him, her success is not only a personal milestone but also a landmark achievement for the organisation, adding that it reflects the expanding opportunities available within the Nigeria Customs Service.

He further stated that her accomplishment sets a precedent and should encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation and other specialised fields.

He also praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for supporting gender inclusion and creating an enabling environment for officers to pursue career advancement and professional development.

In her response, Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Nafisat Balogun expressed gratitude for the recognition and support she received from the management and her colleagues, describing her journey as challenging but fulfilling.

She noted that her success was made possible through determination, discipline, and institutional support.

She also extended appreciation to the leadership of the service for believing in her potential and supporting her training, adding that she remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and excellence in her duties.

Colleagues at the ceremony described her achievement as highly motivational, especially for female officers within the service, noting that it has broken barriers and opened new possibilities in aviation-related roles.

Her milestone has continued to attract commendations within and outside the Nigeria Customs Service as a symbol of resilience, progress, and gender inclusion in Nigeria’s security and paramilitary institutions.