Nigerian Customs Officer Makes History with U.S. Commercial Pilot Licence
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
A Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officer, Nafisat Balogun, has reached a major career milestone after obtaining a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer within the agency.
The development was confirmed by the NCS through its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who described the achievement as a significant step forward for gender representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Balogun, who holds the rank of superintendent, was recently celebrated at a recognition event organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service. The ceremony highlighted her journey and contributions to the service, marking her as a symbol of progress and determination.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the hangar service, Kuhi Mbaya, praised her accomplishment as both inspiring and transformative. He noted that her career path, from a cabin crew member to a certified commercial pilot, reflects persistence and professional growth.
According to Mbaya, her success is not just personal but institutional, setting a new benchmark within the Customs Service and demonstrating the expanding opportunities available to officers willing to pursue specialised training.
He further stressed that her achievement signals a shift within the service, encouraging more women to break into technical and aviation roles that have historically seen low female participation.
The Customs leadership also received commendation, particularly the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for promoting policies that support inclusion and professional advancement within the agency.
In her remarks, Balogun expressed appreciation for the support she received from the service, stating that institutional backing played a crucial role in her success. She reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and contributing meaningfully to the agency’s operations.
Her journey builds on an earlier milestone in 2024, when she was first recognised as the NCS’s first female pilot, an achievement that has now been further strengthened with her international certification.
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