Nigerian Customs Female Pilot Secures US Commercial Pilot Licence, Makes Aviation History

The first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, has attained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, marking a significant milestone in her aviation career and within the service.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, Balogun was recently honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service in recognition of her latest achievement. The service described the development as a historic breakthrough, noting that she remains the first female pilot in the organisation, a field long dominated by men.

Maiwada commended Balogun’s resilience, discipline, and determination, adding that her accomplishment should serve as motivation for other officers to pursue excellence and take advantage of emerging professional opportunities within the service. He further stated that her latest certification has reinforced her status as a pioneer within the agency.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s progression as both inspirational and transformative, noting that her transition from cabin crew member to fully licensed commercial pilot reflects personal commitment as well as institutional backing. He added that her achievement represents a new benchmark for the service and underscores expanding opportunities for personnel development.

Mbaya further emphasized that Balogun’s success has broken barriers within the Nigeria Customs Service and urged women to pursue specialised careers without hesitation, stressing that determination and consistency can overcome limitations. He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for supporting gender inclusion and professional growth within the organisation.

In her response, Balogun expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its continuous support and confidence in her abilities, pledging to remain committed to duty and uphold professionalism, integrity, and dedication in her service.

Balogun first made history in 2024 when she emerged as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service, with her journey from cabin attendant to commercial pilot widely regarded as a symbol of perseverance and progress within the agency.