A new milestone has been recorded in Nigeria’s aviation and public service sector as Nafisat Balogun, the first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.
The achievement was confirmed in a statement released in Abuja by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who described the accomplishment as a landmark moment for the service. According to him, Balogun’s success reflects not only her personal dedication but also the expanding opportunities within the Customs Service.
To celebrate the feat, Balogun, a Superintendent of Customs, was honoured at a special ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service. Her journey has drawn admiration across the service, particularly as she has broken barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s story as both inspiring and transformative. He highlighted her rise from a cabin crew member to a fully certified commercial pilot as a powerful example of determination and resilience.
Her achievement marks a significant step forward for gender inclusion within the NCS and underscores the evolving role of women in aviation and security-related fields. It also reinforces the agency’s commitment to professional development and capacity building among its personnel.
Balogun’s journey first gained national attention in 2024 when she was officially recognised as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service. Since then, she has continued to push boundaries, further solidifying her place as a trailblazer.
Reacting to the recognition, she reaffirmed her commitment to duty, promising to serve with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. Her success story is now being celebrated as a source of motivation for young Nigerians, especially women aspiring to break into male-dominated industries.
As Nigeria continues to expand its aviation and security capabilities, achievements like Balogun’s highlight the importance of investing in talent and creating pathways for excellence across all sectors.
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