Customs’ First Female Pilot Earns US Commercial Multi-Engine Licence

Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced the development in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, adding that the service recently honoured Balogun at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service.

Balogun’s achievement is historic, as she becomes the first woman to pilot aircraft for the NCS in a traditionally male-dominated field. Maiwada said her resilience and discipline should inspire other officers to pursue excellence and seize new opportunities within the service.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, Captain Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s rise from cabin attendant to fully-fledged commercial pilot as transformative. “This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” he said.

Mbaya noted that the milestone sets a precedent and reflects the growing opportunities for women in specialised roles. He urged women to pursue their ambitions without fear, adding that “the glass ceiling has been shattered.”

He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and commitment to gender inclusion.

In response, Balogun thanked the NCS for believing in her capacity and reaffirmed her dedication to serving with integrity and professionalism.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the NCS first announced Balogun as the service’s first female pilot in 2024, following her journey from cabin crew to aviation trailblazer.