The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced preparations for the 2026 basic training programme for new recruits with a retreat for trainers drawn from various training disciplines. The retreat, held in Lagos, brought together trainers responsible for areas including drill, medicals, security, sports and other aspects of the Service's training programme. This initiative aims to bring trainers together under one platform rather than having them operate in separate segments.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, urged the trainers to work as a team and review the training modules with a view to producing officers the Service and society would be proud of. Adeniyi emphasized the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among the trainers, stressing that working in silos could undermine the desired results.
The Customs boss also urged heads of the various training units to take full responsibility for their areas while remaining open to contributions from others. He advised the trainers not to dismiss or condemn the views of their colleagues, saying nobody had a monopoly of knowledge. Adeniyi recalled his experience as a trainer in 2008 and 2009, saying the officers trained during that period had risen through the ranks, with some serving as Assistant Controllers.
According to Adeniyi, the success recorded by those trainees was partly attributable to the collaborative efforts of the trainers at the time. He explained the rationale behind the retreat, saying the Service had previously trained its trainers in segments, with different resource persons and instructors meeting them at different times. The new approach aims to bring all the trainers under one roof to promote a common understanding and ensure everyone works towards the same objective.
The retreat, described as the first of its kind by the Commandant of the Ikeja Training College, Deputy Comptroller Precious Atah, is expected to set the pace for the training programme. Atah urged the trainers to approach the exercise with an open mind. The Coordinator of the retreat, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Greg Itotoh (rtd.), charged the trainers to be free to discuss anything without holding back, noting that this would expose grey areas and lead to solutions.
Adeniyi also stated that he expects the new recruits to demonstrate discipline, perseverance, and calmness throughout their training. He said, "They should be calm, they should be gentle, they should have perseverance, and they should exhibit a very high level of discipline." The new approach is designed to save time and promote greater coordination among the trainers ahead of the commencement of the basic training programme.
The Nigeria Customs Service is taking steps to ensure that its new recruits receive comprehensive training. The retreat is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the Service is expected to continue its efforts to improve the training programme. The 2026 basic training programme for new recruits is a critical aspect of the Service's development, and the retreat will play a crucial role in shaping the skills and knowledge of the new recruits.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service holds a trainers' retreat in Lagos to prepare for the 2026 basic training programme for new recruits.
- The retreat aims to bring trainers together under one platform to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, urges trainers to work as a team and review training modules to produce high-quality officers.
