Customs Conducts Pre-Retirement Workshop for Officers

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) in collaboration with Sean Cussons Consulting Group, organized a 5-day pre-retirement workshop for officers about to exit the service starting 13th November 2023 to 17th November 2023 at the Customs conference hall in Garki, Abuja.

Cross section of participants during the pre-retirement training

This is even as the Service Men’s Basketball Team clinched the championship title at the recently concluded Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) Premier Basketball Men’s Final Eight Championships, Savannah Conference, held in Abuja.

Speaking on the strategic exit programme for officers, with the theme “Strategic Exit Program for Retiring Staff of Nigeria Customs Service”, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in a statement signed by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada reiterated the objectives of the retirement training for the officers.

The CGC represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Greg Itoto, emphasized that it would significantly contribute to preparing their lives after leaving the service.

He emphasized that it would significantly contribute to preparing their lives after leaving the service, further stating that the participants would be equipped with new ideas and strategies to assist them in availing themselves of inherent opportunities.

The CGC said, “This workshop was designed to empower the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and was approved by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, considering its significance in finding better ways for the retiring officers after they are relieved from the service.”

The pre-retirement workshop, which mostly targets Deputy Comptrollers, aims to empower them with business ideas, investments, technological opportunities, and healthy living tips, among other aspects after leaving the service.

He affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to organizing such workshops for retiring officers, commended the CGC for improving employees’ social and economic well-being.

According to the customs helmsman, the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to appreciate the contributions of retired officers, considering them as critical stakeholders.

One of the participants, Deputy Comptroller Ajibola Kayode commended the efforts of the CGC for organizing the workshop, noting that the session met their expectations in terms of preparing for life after the service.

Kayode urged the service to sustain the culture of organizing such programs.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service Team has Secured Victory in the Prestigious Federation (NBBF) Premier Basketball Men’s Final Eight Championships, Savannah Conference, also held in Abuja.

The NCS team faced a formidable opponent, Gboko City Chiefs, in a tightly contested match on Saturday, 11 November 2023, emerging victorious with a final score of 83-78. This win secures their qualification for the Final Eight Playoffs scheduled to take place in Lagos.

A statement by  Superintendent of Customs Akinwale Fatoki, the Public Relations Officer, Training Doctrine Command, Gwagwalada, the NCS team displayed dominance by winning all 13 matches during the campaign, playing against competitive teams such as Nile University, Kano Pillars, Bauchi Nets, Plateau Peaks, Gboko City Chiefs, Gombe Bulls, and Correctional Services.

Topping the league table, they secured a place in the Final Eight Playoffs, with Gboko City Chiefs securing the second spot.

The head coach of the Nigeria Customs Service Team, Coach Muhammed Abba, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s outstanding performance. He commended the players for their tenacity, strength, and professional shooting abilities.

Coach Abba stated that “the team’s ultimate goal is to secure tickets to the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL).”

The Final Eight Playoffs will feature four teams selected from the top two of both the Savannah Conference and Atlantic Conference Leagues. The ultimate winner of the 2023 NBBF Premier Basketball League will proudly represent Nigeria at this year’s BAL, scheduled to hold at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.