First Female NCS Pilot Secures U.S. Commercial Multi-Engine Licence

The first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nafisat Balogun, has obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Maiwada said the Superintendent of Customs was recently honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service in recognition of the achievement.

He described Balogun’s feat as a historic milestone, noting that she is the first female pilot in the service, a field traditionally dominated by men.

According to him, her resilience, discipline and determination serve as motivation for officers to strive for excellence and take advantage of emerging opportunities within the service.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, said Balogun’s journey was both inspiring and transformative.

Mbaya noted that her rise from a cabin attendant to a certified commercial pilot was a source of pride for the service.
“This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” he said.

He added that her accomplishment had set a precedent and highlighted expanding opportunities within the NCS.

“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,” Mbaya said.

He encouraged women to draw inspiration from Balogun’s success and pursue careers in specialised fields, stressing that barriers were gradually being removed.

Mbaya also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for promoting gender inclusion within the service.

In her remarks, Balogun expressed appreciation to the NCS for its support and confidence in her abilities.

She pledged to continue serving with diligence, integrity and professionalism.