The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a historic achievement for its first female pilot, Nafisat Balogun, who has successfully obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States of America. This significant milestone was confirmed by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
Following this accomplishment, Superintendent of Customs Balogun was honored at a special ceremony organized by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service. Her success marks a new chapter for the NCS, as she is the first woman to achieve this status in a field historically dominated by men.
Maiwada emphasized that Balogun's resilience, discipline, and determination serve as a powerful motivation for all officers within the service. He encouraged them to pursue success and embrace new opportunities available within the NCS.
Captain Kuhi Mbaya, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, described Balogun's journey as both inspiring and transformative. He stated that her achievement is a great accomplishment not only for her personally but for the entire service, setting a precedent and reflecting the evolving opportunities within the NCS.
Mbaya further commented, “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 urged women to view Balogun’s success as an encouragement to pursue their ambitions in specialized fields without hesitation.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (C-G), Bashir Adeniyi, received commendation for his leadership and consistent support for gender inclusion within the service, which has been instrumental in enabling such achievements.
In her response, Balogun expressed her gratitude to the NCS for their belief in her capabilities and for providing the necessary support to achieve this feat. She reiterated her dedication to performing her duties with diligence, integrity, and professionalism.
This achievement builds upon Balogun's earlier historic recognition in 2024 when the NCS announced her as the first female pilot in the service. Her career progression from a cabin crew member to a trailblazer in aviation underscores her remarkable journey.
