First Female Customs Pilot, Balogun, Makes History With Multi-engine Licence

By Adebola Isimijola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Olanike Balogun for breaking new ground in aviation after earning a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, further strengthening her status as the Service’s first female pilot.

The achievement, described by senior officers as a defining moment in the history of Customs aviation, was acknowledged at a recognition ceremony organised by the Service’s aviation arm, where colleagues and management officials applauded her journey as one marked by resilience, discipline, and steady progression.

For the leadership of the Service, Balogun’s milestone represents more than personal success. It is seen as a reflection of evolving opportunities within the NCS and a signal of expanding access for women in specialised operational fields traditionally dominated by men.

Her career trajectory tells a story of gradual transformation. She joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 2002 as a Customs Assistant and was deployed to the Airwing Unit as cabin crew, a role that introduced her to aviation operations within the Service.

Over the years, she strengthened her academic and professional profile, earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services and later a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

A major turning point came when she transitioned into pilot training, eventually obtaining her certification from a flying academy in Miami, Florida, with sponsorship support from the Nigeria Customs Service. That milestone, first recorded in 2024, already established her as the Service’s pioneering female pilot.

Her latest accomplishment — a commercial multi-engine pilot licence — marks a further step forward, reinforcing her place as one of the most notable success stories in the Customs aviation structure.

Speaking on her journey, Balogun expressed gratitude for the institutional support she received throughout her career progression, describing the path as demanding but rewarding.

She credited mentorship, discipline, and the encouragement of colleagues for sustaining her through the rigorous demands of aviation training.

“This achievement is deeply meaningful to me. It reflects not just personal effort, but the support system that has guided me throughout my journey,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to professional excellence and continued service, pledging to uphold high standards in her duties.

Senior officers who witnessed her recognition described her story as an inspiration to younger personnel, particularly women in the Service, noting that her rise demonstrates what is possible within a system that rewards dedication and perseverance.

For many within the Nigeria Customs Service, Balogun’s achievement is not just a personal milestone — it is a symbolic breakthrough that signals a widening horizon for inclusion, ambition, and professional advancement in Nigeria’s paramilitary aviation space.