Nigeria Customs Service to Adopt 2026-2035 Strategic Framework Based on Senior Officers' Proposals

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to build its operational strategy for the next decade, from 2026 to 2035, around strategic foresight, embedding proposals from its pioneering senior officer graduates into a new policy framework.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced this at the graduation ceremony for 40 senior officers who completed the Advanced Senior Executive Course at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos. Adeniyi, represented by Gabo Aliu, Comptroller of Federal Operations Unit, NCS, emphasized the dynamic nature of global customs operations and the need for the Service to be forward-thinking and adaptable to emerging trade realities.

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Custom operation globally is dynamic, it’s evolving, we need to be futuristic, we need to be able to look ahead of what it is now, and the service in its wisdom is preparing future generations of custom officers that will respond to the dictates of the time going forward.

The incoming framework will be inclusive, with the graduates' deliverables forming the core of the strategic policy direction for future customs officers. Aliu highlighted the CGC's administration as forward-thinking and resilient, aiming to position the NCS at the forefront of trade, policy formulation, and integration. "Custom operation globally is dynamic, it’s evolving, we need to be futuristic, we need to be able to look ahead of what it is now," Aliu stated, underscoring the Service's commitment to preparing future generations.

Furthermore, the CGC has approved a structured mentor-mentee program for the pioneering graduates. These officers will serve as ambassadors for both the NCS and NIIA, tasked with disseminating their acquired knowledge to upcoming officers, fostering a win-win scenario for the Service and the broader industry. Management will review all "no-regret strategies" proposed by the participants, assuring that these submissions will shape the policy thrust for the 2026-2035 period.

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For the pioneering set, the CGC has emphasised on a definite mentor-mentee programme, so they are going out as ambassadors of the NCS and NIIA, so we are looking that they are going to be impacting whatever they’ve learned here onto the future generation of custom officers, so it will be a win-win for the Nigerian Customs Service and the industry in general