Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Sean Cussons Consulting Group, has organised a five-day pre-retirement workshop for officers, who are about to exit the service starting November 13, 2023 to 17 at the Customs conference hall in Garki, Abuja.

The programme with the theme: “Strategic Exit Program for Retiring Staff of Nigeria Customs Service”, is in line with efforts to prepare them for post- retirement opportunities and how to cope with challenges that may be associated with retirement.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reiterated the objectives of the retirement training for the officers. He emphasised that it would significantly contribute to preparing their lives after leaving the service.

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Greg Itoto, the CG further stated that the participants would be equipped with new ideas and strategies to assist them in availing themselves of inherent opportunities.

“This workshop is designed to empower the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and was approved by the management, considering its significance in finding better ways for the retiring officers after they are relieved from the service”, the CGC said.

It was further gathered that the pre-retirement workshop, which mostly targets Deputy Comptrollers, aims to empower them with business ideas, investments, technological opportunities, and healthy living tips, among other aspects after leaving the service.

The Comptroller-General, who affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to organising such workshops for other retiring officers, commended the management for improving employees’ social and economic well-being.

According to CGC, the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to appreciate the contributions of retired officers, considering them as critical stakeholders.

One of the participants, Deputy Comptroller Ajibola Kayode, who spoke on behalf of others, commended the efforts of the CGC and the management for organising the workshop. He added that the session met their expectations in terms of preparing for life after service. He therefore urged the service to sustain the culture of organising such programmes.