The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, on Monday, June 31, 2025, commenced a three-day reunion to honour past and present Directing Staff for their exceptional contributions to the intellectual and professional development of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The event kicked off with a Regimental Dinner held at the College cafeteria, drawing a distinguished audience of retired and serving senior Customs officers, military personnel, and special guests. The reunion was aimed at fostering camaraderie, strengthening institutional memory, and reigniting a shared sense of purpose among participants.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, shared heartfelt reflections on his personal journey through the College, having served both as a Directing Staff and later as Commandant.
“The College played a central role in my professional development. It instilled in me the importance of training, mentorship, and strategic thinking in Customs operations,” he said.
CGC Adeniyi praised the dedication of past and present instructors, noting the attendance of several former Commandants and Deputy Commandants. He commended their role in shaping generations of officers and pledged continued support for their welfare.
“We are committed to supporting the welfare of Directing Staff. I will request that your names be recorded, so those who serve here are recognised and rewarded through strategic redeployments to commands and departments where their expertise can further benefit the Service,” he stated.
On the second day, retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Charles Chide, echoed the CGC’s vision of sustaining the College’s legacy through recognition and institutional continuity.
“When I served as Commandant of this College, I witnessed first-hand the professionalism of our instructors. This reunion is a fitting tribute to their efforts. The CGC remains committed to strengthening this institution and uplifting its people,” he affirmed.
The current Commandant, Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, described the event as a strategic initiative to reconnect the instructor community and reinforce the College’s role in capacity building.
“We’ve coordinated numerous courses over the years, but rarely do we pause to appreciate those working behind the scenes. This get-together bridges the past and present. We’re sending a clear message to the Customs community: your service here is not forgotten,” ACG Adebakin noted.
Speaking on behalf of the reunion participants, former Directing Staff member, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, expressed fulfilment and pride in the College’s continued relevance.
“Being back here brings a deep sense of fulfilment. This is where we trained minds and shaped leaders. It’s encouraging to see that spirit preserved and celebrated,” he said.
The reunion concluded with renewed commitments to excellence in Customs training and a shared determination to uphold the standards set by those who helped build the foundation of the institution.
