Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated a landmark achievement with the graduation of Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun as its first female pilot. Balogun secured her commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, marking a historic milestone in the service’s aviation operations.
The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced the achievement in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, noting that Balogun was honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service. The event highlighted her rise from cabin attendant to fully qualified commercial pilot, a journey described as inspiring and transformative by Captain Kuhi Mbaya, Managing Director of the Technical Hangar Service.
“This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” Mbaya said. He emphasised that Balogun’s accomplishment reflects the evolving opportunities within the NCS and sets a precedent for gender inclusion in aviation roles traditionally dominated by men.
Balogun’s success has been hailed as a symbol of progress, with Mbaya urging women to pursue ambitions in specialised fields without fear. “The glass ceiling has been shattered,” he stated, encouraging others to follow her example of determination and consistency.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, has been commended for his leadership and support for gender inclusion initiatives within the service. Balogun expressed gratitude for the NCS’s belief in her potential and reaffirmed her commitment to serving with dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
Her achievement builds on the NCS’s earlier announcement in 2024, which recognised her as the first female pilot in the service. Balogun’s journey from cabin crew member to trailblazer in aviation underscores the service’s commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering diversity in its ranks.
