Gwagwalada, FCT – July, 2025 — The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, held a special three-day reunion to celebrate its past and present Directing Staff, highlighting their critical role in mentoring and shaping the intellectual direction of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The reunion kicked off with a Regimental Dinner on Monday, 31 June 2025, at the College cafeteria, drawing participation from retired and serving Customs senior officers, military personnel, and special guests. The event was aimed at fostering unity, appreciating service, and reigniting a shared commitment to excellence within the institution.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, served as the Special Guest of Honour at the dinner. In his address, he paid tribute to the College’s impact on his professional journey, having once served both as a Directing Staff and as the College’s Commandant.
“This College laid the foundation for my growth in Customs. It taught me the value of mentorship, strategic insight, and continuous learning,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
He praised the dedication of former and current instructors and emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions to national development. He pledged support for the welfare of the College’s Directing Staff, promising to advocate for their strategic redeployment to key units where their expertise will have continued impact.
“The names of those who have served here must be recorded and rewarded. Their work deserves acknowledgment and visibility,” he affirmed.
On the second day of the reunion, retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Charles Chide, reiterated CGC Adeniyi’s commitment to preserving institutional memory and recognizing service.
“During my time as Commandant, I witnessed the discipline and professionalism of our instructors. This reunion rightly honours that legacy,” ACG Chide said.
Current Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted the symbolic significance of the gathering.
“Beyond training programs, we rarely take a moment to celebrate the people behind the scenes. This reunion reconnects our alumni and reminds them that their legacy is valued,” she noted.
Former Directing Staff, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, who spoke on behalf of other participants, expressed joy at the event and praised the continuity in leadership and institutional pride.
“Returning to this College brings nostalgia and pride. This is where leaders were made. Seeing that spirit still alive is deeply rewarding,” he stated.
The reunion concluded with a renewed pledge from participants to uphold professionalism, mentorship, and the values the College stands for, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone in Customs capacity building.
