The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, on Friday graduated 50 officers from its Junior Course 22, with a charge to embrace innovation, discipline and resilience as they progress in their careers.

At the ceremony, held at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh, said the Service’s future rested on the commitment of young officers to excellence.

“We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt,” Itotoh told the graduates. “As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges.”

The graduation marked another milestone in the College’s mission of grooming officers for higher responsibilities. The Junior Course, tailored for young personnel, is designed to prepare them for the Service’s growing demands in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, described the day as unique, noting that the participants endured rigorous academic, mental and physical training. She said the programme integrated leadership development, discipline and teamwork, while also testing punctuality, conduct, health and endurance.

Outstanding graduates were recognised in areas such as leadership, discipline, marksmanship and academic excellence, underscoring the holistic nature of the training.

All 50 officers were awarded certificates of completion and reminded of their role as ambassadors of the College.

ACG Adebakin urged the graduates to apply their lessons in practice and contribute to enhancing efficiency within the Service. “This course has tested your resilience and commitment,” she said. “Now it is time to serve with the same dedication.