The Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated a major milestone with the emergence of Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun as its first female pilot after earning a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.

The landmark achievement was honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, attended by senior officers, management staff, and colleagues who described the feat as a significant breakthrough in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs, Kuhi Mbaya, said Balogun’s journey from a cabin attendant to a certified commercial pilot was both inspiring and transformative.He noted that her accomplishment marks the first time the Service has produced a female pilot, describing it as a precedent-setting achievement that reflects expanding opportunities within the organisation.

Mbaya also encouraged more women to pursue their ambitions, stressing that barriers in male-dominated fields are gradually being dismantled.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for promoting gender inclusion and supporting the development of officers within the Service.In her remarks, Balogun expressed gratitude for the recognition and support she received throughout her journey, describing the achievement as the result of resilience, determination, and institutional backing.

She acknowledged the role of the Customs leadership in enabling her success and pledged to continue serving with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

Colleagues at the ceremony hailed her accomplishment as a source of inspiration, particularly for female officers, noting that it opens new possibilities within the Service and encourages more women to explore specialised careers.