The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), recently held a workshop aimed at promoting gender diversity within its ranks. The event took place in Abuja, commencing on a Monday and has been part of a broader initiative to foster a work environment that empowers all officers irrespective of their gender. Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, emphasized the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to facilitate an inclusive atmosphere within the service, ensuring that every officer has the opportunity to thrive professionally.
During the opening of the workshop, the importance of creating equal opportunities for growth and success among officers was underscored. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Zara Musa, reiterated the necessity of such workshops. She emphasized that by participating in these initiatives, officers can contribute meaningfully to the NCS’s success regardless of gender. This event aligns with the ongoing efforts to nurture a gender-inclusive environment as part of the broader vision of Comptroller-General Adeniyi.
Highlighting the continuity of these efforts, Niagwan noted that the workshop followed a prior capacity-building session focused on gender inclusivity held in April at Wells Carlston Apartments, also in Abuja. Such initiatives signify a progressive approach towards advancing gender equality within the NCS. The commitment to gender diversity not only enriches the organizational culture but is also seen as a strategic improvement that can enhance overall operations within the service.
The workshop was supported by various experts, including a resource person from WCO, Jennifer Burs, who provided insights into the strategic influence of gender inclusivity on service delivery. She reinforced the commitment of WCO to assist the NCS in finalizing a draft action plan on gender equality and diversity developed in response to an earlier sub-regional workshop. Burs pointed out that the implementation of this action plan would be crucial to integrating diversity into the NCS’s framework, showcasing how such initiatives are spearheaded by collaborative efforts amongst international organizations and local customs authorities.
Additional contributions came from other experts such as Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom, who shared strategies to foster a workplace culture that recognizes and values the input of all officers. Their perspectives were valuable in addressing the multifaceted nature of diversity and the importance of employee engagement across different levels of the organization. The exchange of ideas among these professionals served as a catalyst for invigorating the NCS’s approach to gender diversity.
Overall, the workshop is a part of a significant movement towards enhancing gender equality within the Nigeria Customs Service, reflecting a commitment from leadership to create an equitable work environment. By nurturing diverse perspectives and encouraging inclusive practices, the NCS aims to bolster its operational effectiveness and service delivery. This ongoing endeavor exemplifies the importance of strategic partnerships with organizations like the WCO to ensure progressive measures are implemented, thereby enriching the Customs service landscape in Nigeria.
