Israel Oluyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service’s first female pilot, Nafisat Balogun, has secured a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, marking a milestone in her aviation career.
The service announced the development in Abuja through its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, and noted that it also celebrated her achievement at a Customs Technical Hangar Service event.
Balogun completed her training in the United States, where she met the requirements for a commercial pilot licence with multi-engine certification.
She earlier served as a cabin attendant in the Nigeria Customs Service before moving into pilot training and progressing through the aviation pathway.
The Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described her rise as a major breakthrough for the organisation.
Mbaya said, “This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” adding that her progression reflects new opportunities within the agency.
He also stated, “For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and we must celebrate and recognise this milestone.”
The service credited Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for supporting inclusion and professional development initiatives that enabled such career advancement.
Balogun thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for its support and pledged to maintain professionalism, discipline, and commitment in her duties.