Customs records aviation milestone with first female pilot

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major operational milestone with the emergence of its first-ever female pilot, Superintendent of Customs, Nafisat Balogun, who recently obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States of America.

The milestone, formally celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, signals a strategic shift in the NCS technical manpower development as it deepens investments in air surveillance, logistics, and enforcement support systems critical to port efficiency and anti-smuggling operations.

At a ceremony attended by senior officers and management staff, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya described the development as both historic and transformational for the service’s operational outlook.

“Our officer, Nafisat Balogun, has transitioned from being a cabin attendant to a fully-fledged commercial pilot. This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” Mbaya said.

He emphasised that the breakthrough introduces a new dimension to the Customs aviation unit, while reinforcing the service’s commitment to technical excellence and inclusivity.

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“For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and it is important that we celebrate and recognise this milestone,” he added.

Mbaya further noted that Balogun’s accomplishment underscores the expanding opportunities within the service, particularly as Customs increasingly integrates air assets into its enforcement and surveillance framework across ports, borders, and inland logistics corridors.

“This achievement shows that there are no limits. The glass ceiling has been shattered, and with determination and consistency, more women can achieve their dreams,” he said.

He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for fostering a leadership environment that promotes gender inclusion and professional advancement within the service.

In her response, Balogun expressed appreciation for the institutional support that enabled her transition into a highly specialised aviation role, noting that the journey required resilience and sustained encouragement.

“I am truly honoured and humbled by this warm reception. This journey has not been easy, but I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and belief shown in me,” she said.

Balogun attributed her success to the backing of the Customs leadership, stressing that the achievement reflects a broader organisational commitment to capacity building.

“I sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management team for their invaluable support. This achievement stands as a testament to that encouragement,” she noted.

She reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging her new qualification in advancing the service’s mandate, particularly in areas requiring precision, discipline, and operational efficiency.

“I promise to continue to serve with dedication, integrity, and professionalism,” she said.

Colleagues and attendees at the event described the milestone as a morale booster and a catalyst for broader participation of women in specialised and technical roles within the service. Many noted that her success not only reflects personal determination but also signals new career pathways within the NCS, especially as it aligns its operations with modern, technology-driven maritime and border security systems.

The development comes at a time when the Service is scaling up its aviation and technical infrastructure to support trade facilitation, cargo monitoring, and enforcement operations—positioning itself as a more agile and intelligence-driven institution within Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.