Customs brings training specialists together ahead of 2026 recruitment

The Nigeria Customs Service has started preparations for its 2026 basic training programme with a retreat bringing together trainers from across the service’s training disciplines in Lagos. The meeting, held in Ikeja on Wednesday, included instructors responsible for drill, medical services, security, sports and other areas of the recruitment programme. The service said the gathering was intended to improve coordination before the new recruits begin their basic training.

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General responsible for Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said the retreat was part of an effort to end the practice of trainers working in separate segments. He urged participants to review the training modules collectively and work towards a shared objective. Adeniyi warned that operating in isolation could weaken the results of the programme.

He also called on heads of training units to take responsibility for their areas while remaining receptive to suggestions from colleagues. The comptroller-general said no individual had a monopoly on knowledge and that collaboration was necessary to produce officers who would meet the expectations of the service and society. He recalled his own experience as a trainer in 2008 and 2009, saying some officers trained at the time had progressed to senior positions, including Assistant Controller.

He attributed part of that outcome to the cooperation among instructors. Adeniyi said the new format would save time by placing resource persons and instructors under one roof rather than convening separate sessions. He urged recruits to show calmness, perseverance and a high level of discipline.

Ikeja Training College Commandant Precious Atah described the retreat as the first of its kind, while coordinator Greg Itotoh asked trainers to speak openly so that problems could be identified and addressed.