Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit have recorded a remarkable feat at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, where they emerged as the best and second-best graduating students in Senior Course 14.
At the graduation ceremony held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall, 50 officers completed the demanding professional course. Chief Superintendent of Customs Ridwan Yusuf emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, also winning three additional awards, while Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu finished as the Second Best Graduating Student.
The achievement has been celebrated as a major source of pride for the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Public Relations Unit, where the result is being seen as proof of the officers’ intelligence, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Their performance also reinforces the growing view that public relations in the Service is not limited to image management, but also reflects administrative competence, strategic leadership, and sound professional training.
There is, however, a bittersweet side to the celebration. By tradition, top-performing officers at the College are often retained as Directing Staff to mentor future officers, a path that may now await Ridwan Yusuf and Nuruddeen Sa’idu. While their likely elevation is a mark of honour and recognition, it also means their colleagues in the PR Unit may soon have to do without two officers whose presence, sharp minds, and daily contributions have been deeply valued.
The National Public Relations Officer, DC AA Maiwada, in celebrating their success, said the officers have brought immense pride to the entire Nigeria Customs Service and the PR family. He praised their achievement and wished them success as they move into what he described as a new chapter of mentorship and excellence at the College.
The performance of both officers stands as a strong reminder of the depth of talent within the Nigeria Customs Service and the role of disciplined professional training in developing future leaders.