PTML Customs strengthens leadership skills, honours two officers for excellence

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened the leadership capacity of its senior officers through a seminar focused on professionalism, teamwork and improved service delivery.

The seminar, held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Command’s Conference Hall, also featured the presentation of Certificates of Excellence to two officers in recognition of their dedication and outstanding performance.

The initiative was organised in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR to develop a more efficient, motivated and service-oriented workforce.

Declaring the seminar open, the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, said effective leadership remained critical to the successful execution of the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling.

Miko said leadership development was necessary to equip officers with the skills required to respond effectively to the changing demands of customs administration.

He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to initiatives that promote the welfare, health and productivity of its personnel, citing the recently commenced Work-Life Balance Initiative.

The seminar featured sessions on strategic leadership, effective communication, decision-making, conflict management and ethical conduct.

Miko delivered the first session, titled “Leadership and Followership: Building a Culture of Collaboration and Excellence,” during which he emphasised the importance of cooperation between leaders and their subordinates in achieving institutional goals.

He urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired into improved performance and service delivery within the Command.

The Acting Controller also assured stakeholders and members of the trading community of PTML Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and ease of doing business.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, participants were drawn from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs.

A major highlight of the seminar was the presentation of Certificates of Excellence to two officers for their performance and commitment to duty.

DC Miko presenting certificate to CSC Ibrahim

The recipients were Assistant Comptroller J.O. Ezekuse, Officer-in-Charge of Mile 2 Gate, and Chief Superintendent of Customs C.A. Ibrahim, Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Unit.

Presenting the certificates, Miko said the recognition was part of the Command’s mechanism for identifying and rewarding diligence, selflessness and efficient service delivery.

He charged the officers to sustain their high standards while encouraging other personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities.

The Acting Controller stressed that excellence in public service should be encouraged and rewarded, noting that individual commitment contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness of the organisation.

He also urged the seminar participants to apply the leadership principles discussed during the programme to their respective areas of responsibility.

The initiative, he said, was consistent with the broader objective of building a professional and responsive Customs Service capable of facilitating legitimate trade while effectively carrying out its revenue and enforcement responsibilities.

The seminar and recognition programme therefore combined leadership development with staff motivation, reinforcing the PTML Command’s emphasis on professional competence, teamwork and excellence in service delivery.