Nafisat Balogun Shatters Glass Ceiling as First Female Nigeria Customs Service Pilot to Earn U.S. Commercial Licence

NCS Superintendent Nafisat Balogun makes history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service to obtain a U.S. commercial multi-engine licence.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 7:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Nigerian

Historic Achievement in Customs Aviation

The Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated a landmark achievement in gender inclusion and professional development following the certification of Nafisat Balogun as its first female commercial pilot. Superintendent Balogun secured her commercial multi, engine pilot licence in the United States, a feat that marks a significant shift for the NCS aviation wing. The announcement was made by NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, who highlighted the officer’s journey as a testament to the service's commitment to expanding opportunities for its personnel.

From Cabin Crew to the Cockpit

Balogun’s career trajectory within the service has been described as both inspiring and transformative. Starting her journey as a cabin attendant, she demonstrated the discipline and resilience required to undergo rigorous flight training and transition into the role of a fully fledged commercial pilot. During a commemorative ceremony at the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, Managing Director Captain Kuhi Mbaya noted that her accomplishment sets a new precedent for the service and serves as a blueprint for other officers seeking specialized career paths.

Institutional Support for Gender Inclusion

The leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, under Comptroller, General Bashir Adeniyi, was praised for fostering an environment where barriers to female advancement are actively dismantled. Captain Mbaya emphasized that Balogun’s success is a signal that the "glass ceiling has been shattered" within the NCS. By supporting Balogun’s international training and certification, the service has reinforced its policy of leveraging new opportunities for success regardless of gender, particularly in technical fields like aviation.