The first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nafisat Balogun, has obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States of America.
The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Maiwada said Balogun was recently honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service following her achievement.
According to him, the Superintendent of Customs has made history as the first female pilot in the service, a field traditionally dominated by men.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, praised her journey from cabin attendant to certified commercial pilot, describing it as both inspiring and transformative.
“This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” he said.
Mbaya added that her success represents a significant milestone for the organisation and reflects expanding opportunities within the service.
“For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and it is important that we celebrate and recognise this milestone,” he said.
He also encouraged women to draw inspiration from her achievement and pursue careers in specialised fields without fear of limitations.
“This achievement shows that there are no limits. The glass ceiling has been shattered, and with determination and consistency, more women can achieve their dreams,” Mbaya said.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for supporting gender inclusion and progressive reforms within the service.
In her response, Balogun expressed appreciation to the NCS for the support she received throughout her training and career progression.
She pledged continued dedication to her duties, saying she remains committed to professionalism and integrity in service.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that in 2024, the NCS announced Balogun as the first female pilot in its history, after her transition from cabin crew to aviation trailblazer.
