Welcome, esteemed readers, to an exclusive interview with one of the distinguished figures in the world of Customs and border protection, Comptroller Haniel Hadison. With a remarkable journey that began as an Inspector of Customs in August 1994, Comptroller Hadison’s ascent through various ranks stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the development of the Customs Service.
As we delve into this conversation, we’ll explore Comptroller Hadison’s profound insights into his years of service, unveiling the milestones achieved and the challenges overcome. Notably, he attributes a significant portion of his success to the mentorship and support received from none other than the current Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
In his current role as the Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Hadison epitomizes a commitment to excellence. Working tirelessly around the clock, he is shaping the next generation of customs officers, imparting knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and efficiency of the Customs Service.
Join us in this exclusive interview as we gain valuable insights from Comptroller Haniel Hadison, a visionary leader dedicated to the advancement and excellence of customs training and service.
1. Could you provide a brief biography of your journey in the Nigeria Customs Service, highlighting key milestones and experiences?
I am Deputy Comptroller HH Hadison psc(+) fwc ACE FCIHRSM. I hail from Hong LGA of Adamawa State. Got enlisted into the Service 1994 and have served in many Area Commands such as FOU Zone ‘A’ IKeja, Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi, Bauchi/Gombe, MMIA, Tincan, TRADOC, Customs Police, Enforcement and Drug HQTS, Apapa and Currently the Commandant of CTC Ikeja.
2. When did you join the Nigeria Customs Service, and what was your initial rank at the time?
I joined the service 20 August 1994 as an Inspector of Customs.
3. How do you perceive the Nigeria Customs Service, and how has it evolved since you first joined?
My perception about Nigeria Customs Service is influenced by my military background considering the fact that my father was an Ex- Service man and my mum also worked in a military facility particularly MRS at their medical unit. Seeing my father everyday going to work on uniform, when the idea about Customs came, my perception was ok this is another military organization which is of the paramilitary setting, so when the opportunity came I took advantage of it. I saw my father go through regimentation and that informed my decision also to be more committed as regards to regimentation because that’s very important to uniform organizations and for Customs, looking at some rhyming scheme with the military particularly as regards to enforcement, carrying guns, having patrol vehicles just like the military performed their duties. As regards the revenue aspect of Customs, it has a lot to benefit the economy of the Country, considering the fact that Nigeria Customs is a revenue generating organization. Apart from revenue, the Nigeria Customs also helps in the security architecture of the country by manning our borders and ensuring that prohibited items don’t come into the country. So Customs has a vital key to play in the economy of the nation.
Initially when I joined the service, things were done manually but today things have evolved from manual to digital. Before the advent of computers, there was the existence of the “Long Room” where documents were carried from table to table but today technology has taken over and has reduced the human interface thereby making things easier. Today, in your comfort zone you can carry out Customs processes and procedures that also improve the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the Service. With the introduction of ICT, both Customs and Stakeholders could easily access and carry out operations on Custom sites and by that it has added value to Customs operations generally as it relates to revenue drive and anti- smuggling activities
4. What is your commitment to supporting Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in succeeding in his administration, and how do you contribute to the overall goals of the Nigeria Customs Service?
First of all, I would like to appreciate the Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+) for the opportunity to serve as the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Training College Ikeja. It is an opportunity for us at the College and particularly as the Commandant to add value in the course of duty to take Customs to the next level. It is our responsibility especially as it regards the Capacity Building. That’s what the College stands for and that is also part of the vision of the Comptroller-General to see that officers and men of the service improve in their operations, meeting the best practices globally and the College also is an avenue where officers come in to improve on their knowledge of Customs processes and procedures particularly as it is also a platform where Cadets were trained during the 6 months compulsory exercise. The College is also an avenue where these cadets who came in as civilians from across the nation, having gone through the processes of recruitment and became successful will be groomed from being civilians to Custom Officers. We bring in best practices, best modules and our experiences. The College has standards that we maintain especially as it regards to training Cadets and other personnel of the service. There are Resource Persons and instructors who are grounded and we all pulled our resources as a team towards ensuring success. When these Cadets are grounded and completed their basic compulsory 6 months training, they were posted to various commands where they could add value to the system as well having gone through the rigorous training program. So we try as much as possible to bring in the best, by properly articulating on current modules that fits the Customs operations as it relates to the global best practices that would aid trade facilitation and anti- smuggling activities thereby helping the Comptroller- General of Customs in actualizing the targets giving to the Service.
I have been privileged to attend courses from both outside and within the nation. I have been to various Training Institutions of the Armed Forces; Command and Staff College Jaji, Nigeria Army School of Military Police Basawa (twice); during my basic Police training and General Investigation at different times, Nigeria Army War College; the highest Institution of the Nigerian Army, Defense Intelligence College. I have also attended General Investigation Course at EFCC Research Institute Karu, Rural Border Patrol Operations Course (USA), Cargo Operations and Free Flow Course (Germany), Money Laundry Activities Course (Sierra Leone), an Alumni of Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada and many other courses. So with all these knowledge garnered throughout these learning processes, I’m going to bring what I have learned from these Institutions to bear towards adding value to the administration of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+).
5. Throughout your career, in how many commands across Nigeria have you served, and can you share some key experiences from these assignments?
In the course of my career, I have served in many Area Commands in Nigeria vis-à-vis Enforcement and Drugs as it was called then but now Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection Department domiciled at Abuja, FOU Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Bauchi/Gombe, Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi, MMIA, Tincan, TRADOC, Customs Police, Apapa and CTC Ikeja.
During this journey, I held several positions. When I was in Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi Command, I was the Head of Operations Kamba Out-Station, at Apapa I was the Officer-in-Charge of Tally Operations. At MMIA command I was in charge of Tarmac Operations and Revenue Recovery Team SAHCOL shed. At Command and Staff College Gwagwalada I was privileged to be a member of Directing Staff and Director of Coordination in Acting capacity briefly. I also had the opportunity to be Head of Operations Customs Police Unit Zone ‘A’ Lagos. So it has been an interesting Journey. I had several opportunities to add value to my area of responsibility at different times.
Also during my tour of duty at these Commands, some of the courses I attended were General Investigation Course held at EFCC Research Institute 2007, Combating Money Laundry and other Financial Crimes in Free Town, Sierra Leone 2010, Criminal Enforcement of Intellectual Property at the Border US Department of State 2009, Regional Cross Border Management Consultation Course Sponsored by the office of the Anti- Terrorism Assistant Bureau Diplomatic Security USA Department of State 2015, Port Operations and Cargo Flow Processing in Port held at the Port of Hamburg Germany 2010, Rural Border Patrol Operations USA 2013, General Scanner Operations, Image Analysis and Recheck Duties Training COTECNA 2012, Leadership Development Course held at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Command and Staff College Jaji 2020, Leadership Course in Criminal and Security Intelligence Management at Defense Intelligence College 2022, Peace Support Operational Course at the Army War College Nigeria 2021, Joint Integrated Operational Planning Course at Army War College 2021, Higher Military Strategy and Management Course at Army War College Nigeria 2021, Senior Division Course held at Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada 2018, Military Police Special Investigation Course 2018, World Customs Organization Course on Leadership and Management Development Brussels 2023, World Customs Organization Course on Small Arms and Light Weapons course Brussels 2023, World Customs Organization Course on Role of Customs in Disaster Relief 2023, Senior Officer’s Entrepreneurship and Management Course at Armed Forces Resettlement Centre 2023.
In the course of my career, as a result of our commitment I got some awards. In MMIA Command 2010, I got an Award for Officer of the Month of June. In 2017 during my basic Military Police Training at Basawa, I had the Deputy Commandant’s Award. Then in 2018 when I went for the General Investigation Course at the Army School of Military Police Basawa, I was also given the Deputy Commandant’s Award. During the World Customs Organization Day 2023, the Rural Border Patrol Unit headed by my humble self, had an award for meritorious efforts towards the Capacity Building of Officers and Men of the service. So it’s a journey that gave me several opportunities to give back to the system and add value particularly as regards to training.
6. What contributions are you most proud of in your service to the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation?
I’m grateful to God for the opportunity once again to serve Nigeria Customs Service. Amongst my contributions to the Service, I’m proud of my contribution in the area of Capacity Building. I have been part of trainers who participated in different Customs training programs. I have participated in training officers for over 9 years now and it is something I enjoy doing passionately. It got to some point that most Cadets, Recruits and serving Personnel that I have trained call me ‘Father of Regimentation’. What that means is that we have been able to inculcate discipline in their lives and I was nicknamed as Regimentation. So that is one aspect that makes me happy at any time that the thought crosses my mind. I’m willing to continue to discharge my duties passionately as it relates to regimentation because regimentation is the pillar that will help us actualize the vision and mission of the service, particularly the desire of the Comptroller-General of Customs. If we are not disciplined, it’s impossible for us to meet our targets. So regimentation is the backbone that will propel us to discharge our duties either Revenue Generation or Anti- Smuggling activities appropriately. So I’m happy this is one aspect that gladdens my heart most.
7. Who are your mentors in the Nigeria Customs Service, and how have they influenced your approach to your role and life in general?
Of course the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+) is my Mentor and Role model and I have served under him for some years. I have watched him and learned so much from him. For instance, during the ‘End SARS’ Saga, some Customs Formations were attacked, burnt, destroyed and in some cases lives were lost but I can tell you that in the Command and Staff College, attempts were made by some unscrupulous elements, some miscreants came in their thousands made several attempts to attack the College. To God be the Glory, I can tell you for free that the Commandant who is presently the Comptroller-General of Customs brought in his skills and experiences. There we saw what leadership is all about and what it takes to be a Commanding Officer. He was able to tactically and strategically control the situation and there wasn’t any loss of lives while the College had just minimal destruction at the back of the fence. Also the support we had from sister agencies; the Army, Police, Vigilante and more especially from the serving officers in the College was very instrumental. We also had reinforcement from Customs Police at the Headquarters. The miscreants were being dispersed without injury as the entire exercise was done peacefully. So I saw his leadership style and that pricked my mind that look; he is my Role Model. He mentored us particularly those of us that were members of the Directing Staff. During weekends he invites us to his house, we discuss issues on how to add value to the College while he brings in his expertise and experiences. He creates an enabling environment for us to execute our duties without fear or favor and we eat in the same plate, that’s one good aspect of him that portrays humility and he does that periodically. He moves around to see what we are doing, asks questions and makes input where he needs to. So he is my mentor.
There are other senior officers I admire too, for instance ACG Bashir (rtd) in charge of ICT. He was an Astute Administrator with much leadership qualities that imparted positively in my career. Controller FOU Zone ‘A’ Hussain K. Ejibunu is another mentor I admire. His dedication and passion towards his job is second to none, his attitude inspires me in so many ways.
8. As the Commandant of the Customs Training College Ikeja, can you elaborate on the processes employed to train new officers, ensuring their readiness for service?
I will forever be grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+) for given me the opportunity to Serve as the Commandant of our Prestigious Learning Institution, Customs Training College Ikeja (CTC). Last year 2023, we graduated 2 sets of Cadets: The Support Staff and the General Duty. We were able to bring in our expertise in transforming these Cadets to Finished Products at the end of the 3 and 6 months compulsory training for the Support Staff and General Duty Staff Respectively. We worked as a team, my humble self the Commandant, the staff of the College, the Resource Persons that were drawn across various Commands, Instructors, Rural Border Patrol Tactical Team and Custom Police. As a team we were able to groom these Cadets throughout the Training and the process that we employed to train these new officers was a Continuous Re-evaluating of Training Modules and infusing new ideas and innovations. For the first time new innovations vis-à-vis Study tour was introduced. This has never been done. The Cadets were taken to various Commands at different times to give them the practical aspects of training. Also we introduced Regimental Dinner Night, this was the first of its kind in all our training Institutions, particularly Kano and Lagos. We also introduced Cultural Fiesta where Cadets have the opportunity to showcase their culture. These events particularly the Regimental Dinner Night and the Cultural Fiesta witnessed a massive turnout of personalities. Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies domiciled in Lagos, the Comptroller- General of Customs and his management team also greased the occasion. This actually gave us the opportunity to introduce the Cadets to so many other training programs.
On assumption of office, my team and I went round on Courtesy Visits to various Commands within Zone ‘A’ soliciting for technical support that could add value to the training program and by extension to the College itself. These Courtesy Visits gave birth to Returned Visits, having Heads of Commands; The Area Comptrollers visited the Training College and delivered lectures. Also Heads of Organizations such as EFCC, the Army, Air force, NDLEA, Civil Defense, ICPC, DSS who visited the Training College also delivered lectures to the Cadets. Additionally, the Cadets experienced a maiden edition of Strategic Mentorship by the CGC and entire Heads of various departments of the Service. That actually added Value to the entire training program. With this, the College produced some of the best personnel as a result of these innovations that were introduced.
9. Is the training provided at the Customs Training College Ikeja kept up-to-date with the latest standards and practices, and how does this contribute to positioning the Nigeria Customs Service among the best in the world?
Certainly the training at the Customs Training College Ikeja has kept up till date with the latest standard and practices. Looking at the Training Module, these resource persons, Rural Border Patrol Tactical Team are all seasoned officers that have been trained. A lot of them are WCO certified personnel. They brought in a lot of current ideas and knowledge as it relates to International Best Practices. Apart from giving these Cadets the basic training, the processes of Customs Operations were in line with WCO Policy as it relates to WCO operations particularly Trade Facilitation, bringing down obstacles and all forms of impediments. So the best training materials were brought in from these personnel that have been certified by WCO and the Training Modules meet the latest standards and practices seen globally.
10. How do you envision the future of Customs training, and what improvements or changes would you like to see in the training programs?
The future of Customs training is very bright considering the fact that The Comptroller-General of Customs is a seasoned officer who has a lot of experiences and knowledge. He is grounded and also an Astute Administrator who in the past served several CGC for over 2 decades. So he has gone through the process and presently you can see there are a lot of reforms that he is bringing on board. Like I earlier mentioned, the future is very bright for the service. Lately he introduced Reward System, few officers that were outstanding had special promotions, and that is enough motivating factor that will inspire the rest of the officers and men to do more knowing fully well that if you put in your best a reward awaits you. This is all geared towards repositioning the service. So many things are there that we can benefit from and to whom much is given, much is expected. I would also respectfully request that some resources be channeled towards the improvement of the College Infrastructures.
