By Ridwanullah Sakariyah
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major milestone as one of its officers, Nafisat Balogun, emerged the first female pilot within the agency after earning a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.
Her achievement was announced during a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service (NCTHS), where senior officers and colleagues gathered to recognise what officials described as a significant breakthrough in the service.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs and Captain Kuhi Mbaya, said Balogun’s journey marks a new phase for the organisation, especially in expanding opportunities for women.
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He said, “Her transition from cabin attendant to licensed commercial pilot represents a major professional transformation within the service.”
Mbaya added that the development reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and career growth within the agency.
He said, “Her success is not only a personal milestone but also a landmark achievement for the organisation… it should encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation and other specialised fields.”
Balogun’s certification places her in a field that has largely been dominated by men, both within the Customs Service and across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Officials at the event also linked her success to broader reforms under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the service has created an environment that supports training and professional advancement.
In her remarks, Balogun thanked the management of the service and her colleagues for their support throughout her training.
She said, “My journey has been challenging but fulfilling,” adding that discipline and determination played key roles in her success.
She also pledged to uphold professionalism and excellence in her duties.
Colleagues who attended the ceremony described her achievement as a source of motivation, particularly for female officers, noting that it breaks long-standing barriers within the service.
Her emergence as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service is expected to open doors for more women to explore aviation roles within paramilitary institutions.
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