Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in partnership with the Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) has graduated its first batch of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers from the inaugural Executive Course on Complex Customs Operations.

The graduation ceremony, held in Lagos, emphasised the NCS’s drive to enhance capacity building and align with global best practices in international trade and customs management.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the Service’s commitment to continuous professional development.

“This programme represents a different level of training, going beyond our conventional refresher courses and command and staff training. It is designed to expose our officers to global best practices and deepen their understanding of international trade dynamics,” he said.

The Comptroller-General emphasised that the NCS would continue to explore opportunities for capacity building, both within the NIIA and in similar institutions across the country.

According to him, the training is part of a broader modernisation plan in line with the priorities of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which recently identified modernisation, gender equality, and diversification as key areas for development between 2025 and 2028.

Adeniyi, who also serves as the current Council Chairperson of the WCO, noted that the successful completion of the executive course was beneficial to the participants.

“These officers represent the future of the Service. They are now ambassadors of positive change within the Customs, equipped with knowledge and insight from some of the finest scholars and practitioners in the field.”

He further stressed that NCS’s modernisation drive aims to balance revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.

“We want to let Nigerians and our stakeholders understand that while pursuing revenue and security is important, striking a balance with trade facilitation is equally crucial.”

Director General, NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, praised the NCS under Adeniyi’s leadership for embracing forward-looking strategies.

He described the executive course as a timely response to the growing complexity of international trade operations and customs modernisation under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).