First female Nigeria Customs pilot earns U.S. commercial licence

Nafisat Balogun, the first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has secured a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, marking a new milestone in her aviation career.

The development was confirmed in a statement by NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, who described the achievement as a historic moment for the service.

Balogun, a customs superintendent, was subsequently honoured at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, where officials highlighted the significance of her journey in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Speaking at the event, the hangar service’s managing director, Kuhi Mbaya, described her rise, from cabin attendant to certified commercial pilot, as both inspiring and transformative. He noted that her accomplishment not only sets a precedent within the service but also reflects expanding opportunities for personnel willing to pursue specialised skills.

Her achievement builds on an earlier milestone in 2024, when she was recognised as the first female pilot in the NCS. With the addition of a U.S. commercial licence, she now joins a smaller pool of highly trained pilots within Nigeria’s paramilitary aviation space.

Officials also pointed to the broader implications of her success, particularly for gender inclusion within the service. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, was commended for supporting initiatives that create pathways for women in technical and operational roles.

For Balogun, the moment is both personal and professional. She credited the NCS for backing her journey and reaffirmed her commitment to serve with discipline and professionalism, while her story quietly signals a shift in what is possible within Nigeria’s security and aviation sectors.

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