The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun after she achieved a major professional milestone by earning a commercial multi-engine pilot license in the United States.
The recognition ceremony, organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, brought together senior officers and colleagues who gathered to honour what the service described as a historic achievement.
According to the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, Balogun has made history as the first female pilot within the Nigeria Customs Service, breaking into a field long dominated by men.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described her journey as both inspiring and groundbreaking.
“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,” he said.
He added that her success marks a new chapter for the organisation and shows the expanding opportunities available within the service.
“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 this milestone,” he said, encouraging more women to pursue careers in specialised and technical fields.
Mbaya also commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for supporting gender inclusion and professional development within the service.
In her response, Balogun expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that her journey had been challenging but rewarding.
“I am truly honoured and humbled by this recognition. It has not been an easy path, but I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received along the way,” she said.
She also thanked the leadership of the Customs Service for believing in her potential and providing opportunities for growth.
“I sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General and the entire management team. Their support made this achievement possible,” she added.
Balogun pledged to continue serving with dedication and professionalism, saying she hopes her story will inspire others, especially women, to pursue their ambitions without limitation.
Colleagues at the event described her achievement as a source of pride and motivation, noting that it reflects the growing presence of women in aviation and other specialised career paths within the service.
