Nigeria Customs Service Reaffirms Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Security Operations

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with UN Women and other key stakeholders, convened a high-level forum on 18 February 2025, focused on Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue.

The event, held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together representatives from the security sector, development partners, and government officials to discuss strategies for implementing Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.

In her goodwill message, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s dedication to gender inclusivity as a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic development. She noted that the Service has continuously created opportunities for women in leadership and capacity building, ensuring greater inclusion within its ranks. She emphasised that discussions like these were crucial for developing new strategies to enhance gender-responsive security operations. She reassured participants that the Nigeria Customs Service is ready to support initiatives strengthening gender equality within the security sector.

“This conference provides a timely platform to strengthen collaboration among Security Sector Institutions and key stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security,” she remarked.

“The Nigeria Customs Service recognises that gender Inclusivity is fundamental to sustainable security and economic development. Over the years, the Service has taken deliberate action to ensure greater inclusion and empowerment of women within our ranks. Where once female representation in management was minimal, today, women occupy significant leadership positions within the service. They contribute to policy formulation, trade facilitation and border security operations. This shift reflects our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and gender-responsive security sector,” she added.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman, Delivering the keynote address, praised the NCS for its deliberate efforts in integrating women into the security framework. She emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between government agencies and security institutions to remove barriers preventing women from fully contributing to peace and security efforts. The Minister further highlighted that women are not just victims of conflict but are key drivers of peace, reconciliation, and national stability.

She remarked, “My journey in public service, from leading two critical agencies, focused on human trafficking migration, refugees, and internally displaced persons. This has granted me a unique perspective on the indispensable role of women in shaping national security and peace-building efforts. I recall several encounters with young female officers who are given years of dedicated service, yet struggle against systematic barriers that hindered their career progression.”

She continues,” This stark reality fuels my resolve to support efforts like this reference group to break down the institutional barriers, show equitable representation and drive systematic change to integrate gender responsiveness within our country’s security framework.”

Also in attendance was Air Commodore RT Ojo, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to adapting policies that promote gender inclusivity. He emphasised that security institutions must continue to evolve in response to emerging global standards on gender mainstreaming within security operations.

On behalf of UN Women, Beatrice Eyong, the UN Country Representative to Nigeria, acknowledged the progress made by NCS in promoting gender-responsive policies. She noted that this forum provided an opportunity to foster stronger partnerships between security agencies and stakeholders to promote gender-sensitive approaches in security operations. She emphasised that collaboration is essential in strengthening the role of women within the security sector and ensuring their contributions are fully recognised and supported.

A significant event highlight was the decoration of male Gender Champions as “HeForShe” advocates, acknowledging their commitment to advancing gender equality within their respective institutions. These champions, including senior officials from various security agencies, pledged to support policies that foster gender balance and empower women in leadership roles.

The forum concluded with stakeholders agreeing on the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration to effectively implement gender-responsive security policies. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its security framework, stakeholders stressed that the role of women remains indispensable in building peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities.