The first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nafisat Balogun, has obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States of America.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Maiwada said Balogun, a Superintendent of Customs, was recently honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service in recognition of her accomplishment.
He described the feat as a historic milestone, noting that Balogun remains the first female pilot in the service, a field traditionally dominated by men.
According to him, her resilience, discipline and determination should inspire other officers to strive for excellence and take advantage of emerging opportunities within the service.
The latest development further cemented Balogun’s place as a trailblazer within the agency.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s journey as inspiring and transformative.
He noted that her rise from a cabin attendant to a fully-fledged commercial pilot reflects both personal determination and institutional support.
“This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” Mbaya said.
Sets Precedent In Customs
Mbaya added that Balogun’s success has set a new benchmark within the Nigeria Customs Service and highlighted the evolving opportunities available to personnel.
“For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and it is important that we celebrate and recognise this milestone,” he said.
He urged women to take a cue from Balogun’s achievement and pursue careers in specialised fields without fear.
“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,” Mbaya added.
The Customs official also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for promoting gender inclusion and supporting professional development within the service.
In her response, Balogun expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for its support and belief in her capabilities.
She reaffirmed her commitment to her duties, pledging to continue serving with dedication, integrity and professionalism.
Balogun first made history in 2024 when she was named the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Her journey from cabin crew member to licensed commercial pilot has since been widely regarded as a symbol of perseverance and progress within the agency.