The Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Service Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Patience Okon Ita, has warned newly inaugurated cadet officers that recruitment into the Service does not guarantee successful completion of their training.
She gave the warning on Thursday during the inauguration of the 2026 Cadet Officers at the Customs Training College, urging them to demonstrate discipline, integrity, academic commitment and strict adherence to the institution’s rules.
According to a statement signed by the College Acting Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Haliru Isag, Ita described the institution as a centre for developing the competence and character required for effective customs administration.
She commended the cadets for their conduct so far but urged them to remain focused and committed throughout the training programme.
The commandant also acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service Board, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and the college management.
Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Chiroma, who represented Adeniyi at the ceremony, charged the cadets to uphold patriotism, discipline, integrity and professional excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Chiroma said the Customs uniform represented public trust and national responsibility, warning the officers against corruption, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct.
He outlined the Service’s responsibilities in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement of customs laws and border protection.
On revenue administration, he urged the cadets to ensure accurate assessment and collection of government revenue while facilitating legitimate trade through fairness, courtesy and professionalism.
He also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven operations in combating smuggling, illicit drugs, counterfeit goods and other prohibited products.
The deputy comptroller-general encouraged the officers to embrace digital transformation, data analysis and continuous learning to improve their effectiveness in modern customs operations.
Chiroma further urged them to demonstrate courage, accountability and teamwork, noting that the reputation of the Service depended on the character, competence and commitment of its personnel.
He subsequently inaugurated the cadets on behalf of the comptroller-general, urging them to serve with honour and remain faithful to their oath of office.
The ceremony marked the formal commencement of professional training for the 2026 cadet officers, who are expected to contribute to revenue protection, border security and legitimate trade facilitation upon successful completion of their training.
