In a bid to ensure a better work environment irrespective of one’s gender, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined forces with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to sensitize officers and men of the service on gender diversity.
To this end, the two organizations have collaborated to organize a workshop on “Gender Diversity” at the Old Federal Secretariat in Garki, Abuja.
NCS in a statement made available to Maritime Bits said the workshop was which kicked off on October 28, 2024 reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to create a work environment where every officer is empowered to thrive, regardless of gender.
According to the statement, the workshop was officially declared open by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan who was represented by the NCS’s National Contact Point, Chief Superintendent of Customs Zara Musa.
While addressing participants at the workshop, Musa underscored the importance in fostering a workplace that offers every NCS personnel will have equal opportunities for growth and success.
“This workshop will pave the way for officers to contribute fully to the service’s success, regardless of gender. CGC Adeniyi remains committed to nurturing a gender-inclusive environment within the NCS. It is worth noting that the workshop follows a previous capacity-building session hosted by the NCS in April 2024 on gender inclusivity at Wells Carlston Apartments in Abuja.
“These initiatives form a series of efforts under CGC Adeniyi’s tenure aimed at advancing gender equality across the Service, promoting a culture where diverse perspectives contribute to enhanced Customs operations,” Musa added.
A resource person with WCO who is a citizen of Botswana, Jennifer Goistene Burs in her address at the workshop highlighted the strategic impact of gender inclusivity on service delivery.
“We are committed to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in finalising the draft action plan on Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) which was developed following the sub-regional workshop organised in April,” she said.
Burs noted that the implementation of this action plan would be instrumental in embedding diversity within NCS operations.
Other resource persons include Sendra Chihaka from Zimbabwe and Johanna Tornstrom. In their remarks, they contributed insights on strategies for fostering a workplace culture that values and supports the contributions of all officers.
