Nigeria Customs Service gets first female pilot

By announcing Olanike Nafisat Balogun as its first female pilot, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone and broken down boundaries in the aviation industry. Balogun was born in Kaduna and joined the service in 2002 as a customs assistant. 

He is a resident of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State, according to a statement from Customs' National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada. According to Maiwada, Balogun was a member of the air wing unit's cabin crew before becoming a qualified pilot thanks to her drive and ambition. 

Balogun described how she overcame obstacles by opting to serve the public over lucrative airline offers.

“It was a tough decision, but my goal was to contribute to public service and fulfil my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.

Her professional accomplishments include acquiring a master's degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, an advanced diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, and her pilot license from the NCS-sponsored Flying Academy in Miami, Florida. 

She underlined the significance of her accomplishment as a source of motivation for women both inside and outside the military.

“Becoming the first female pilot in the NCS Airwing reflects my commitment to advancing both my dreams and the operational capabilities of the NCS,” she said, encouraging young Nigerians, particularly women, to pursue their ambitions relentlessly.

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