CGC Adeniyi shines spotlight on NCS women with surprise IWD appreciation event

 

 

Maureen Aguta

In a departure from formal tradition, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, staged a surprise appreciation event to honour female officers of the Nigeria Customs Service as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day 2026.

The event, held at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, drew a large turnout of officers across ranks alongside members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, creating an atmosphere that blended celebration with institutional reflection. Each attendee was presented with a rose—an understated but symbolic gesture acknowledging the resilience, sacrifice and professionalism of women within the Service.

Breaking from the routine of ceremonial observances, Adeniyi said the initiative was intentionally designed to spotlight contributions that often go unnoticed in a structured paramilitary environment.

“I know you did not come here expecting this—that is exactly the point,” he told the gathering. “Too often, recognition comes only when it is convenient or scheduled. Today, we chose to do something different.”

While reaffirming the importance of hierarchy and protocol within the Service, the Comptroller-General used the moment to emphasise unity of purpose and the critical role of women in operational effectiveness.

“This is a paramilitary organisation guided by tradition,” he said. “But today, we are united by a common purpose—to celebrate the women of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

He described female personnel as indispensable to the Service’s nationwide operations, praising their discipline and commitment across commands and formations.

“You are central to what we do. Your resilience and dedication continue to strengthen this institution,” he added.

Beyond the symbolism, the event underscored a broader institutional message: the need to entrench a culture of merit, inclusion and recognition within the reform trajectory of the Service.

In her remarks, the National President of the association and wife of the Comptroller-General, Kikelomo Adeniyi, framed the gathering as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of women’s evolving role within the Customs ecosystem.

“This is a special moment to recognise women who contribute directly and indirectly to the success of the Service,” she said.

She credited the leadership of the Comptroller-General with expanding opportunities for women, noting that ongoing initiatives within the association complement the Service’s broader reform agenda by strengthening welfare and empowerment programmes.

“Our women are not just supporting actors; they are active contributors to the progress we are recording,” she said, stressing that sustained investment in women remains essential to building resilient institutions and communities.

The event, though modest in design, reflects a growing shift within the Nigeria Customs Service—one that increasingly acknowledges that institutional strength is tied not only to structure and discipline, but also to recognition, inclusion and the human capital that drives its mission.