The first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nafisat Balogun, has obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, marking another milestone in her pioneering aviation career.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Maiwada said the Superintendent of Customs was honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service in recognition of her latest achievement.
According to him, Balogun’s accomplishment represents a historic milestone as she remains the first female pilot within the service, a profession traditionally dominated by men.
He described her resilience, discipline and determination as a motivation for officers within the service to pursue excellence and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Speaking during the celebration, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s journey as both inspiring and transformative.
Mbaya noted that her achievement was particularly remarkable because she rose from being a cabin attendant to becoming a fully licensed commercial pilot.
“This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” he said.
He added that her accomplishment has set a new precedent within the organisation and reflects expanding opportunities in the service.
“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 stated.
He encouraged women to view Balogun’s success as proof that barriers in specialised fields can be broken with determination and perseverance.
“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,” he said.
Mbaya also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support for gender inclusion within the service.
Responding, Balogun expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for supporting her journey and believing in her capacity to achieve the feat.
She reaffirmed her commitment to carry out her duties with dedication, professionalism and integrity.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that in 2024, the NCS first announced Balogun as the service’s first female pilot, marking a historic moment as she transitioned from a cabin crew member to a trailblazer in aviation within the organisation.
