Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has warned senior officers of the service against acts of compromise, stressing that such behaviour could undermine their years of dedicated service and commitment.
He delivered the warning during a strategic Leadership Training session for senior cadre officers, part of the ongoing Senior Customs Command and Leadership Course at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Adeniyi highlighted the risk of eroding institutional standards and culture as senior officers approach retirement, noting that the course is designed to assess participants’ character, competence, and discipline.
“At this level, your success is determined less by what you know and more by who you are,” he said.
The Comptroller General also cautioned against the personalization of authority and unhealthy competition, underscoring that robust institutions thrive on shared purpose and mentorship.
“The authority you wield amplifies character; it exposes strength, but it also reveals weakness. Throughout this course, you will be challenged to reflect on your judgment, discipline, values, and behaviour under pressure. That discomfort is deliberate, because growth does not occur in comfort zones,” Adeniyi explained.
According to the NCS, the program is aimed at equipping officers for higher responsibilities amid evolving operational, security, and trade facilitation challenges.
Adeniyi described it as a forward-looking initiative to groom officers for pivotal leadership roles, stressing that the Service’s future leadership quality depends on the mindset and decisions of those currently being trained.
The course offers extensive sessions covering key leadership competencies such as authenticity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, effective communication, and stakeholder relationship management.
Participants also engaged in a leadership case study highlighting the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility, according to a statement by the NCS national Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.
In conclusion, Adeniyi congratulated the officers and challenged them to justify the Service’s investment in their development by translating their knowledge into meaningful and impactful results.
