Superintendent Nafisat Balogun is charting a new course for women in Nigeria’s paramilitary and aviation sectors, following her historic achievement of earning a Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot Licence in the United States. Her feat makes her the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a milestone that signals progress in a field long dominated by men.
Balogun’s journey to the cockpit is one defined by determination and growth. She began her career as a cabin attendant, steadily working her way up through dedication, training, and a clear vision of her goals. Her transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot highlights not only her personal resilience but also the evolving opportunities within the Customs Service.
Her achievement was celebrated at a ceremony organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, where senior officers and colleagues gathered to honour her groundbreaking accomplishment. The event underscored the significance of her success, not just for the Service, but for women aspiring to break into specialised and technical professions.
Speaking during the celebration, the Managing Director of the Technical Hangar Service, Kuhi Mbaya, described Balogun’s journey as inspiring and transformative, noting that she has set a precedent within the organisation. He emphasised that her success demonstrates that barriers can be broken, encouraging more women to pursue their ambitions without hesitation.
Balogun, in her response, expressed gratitude for the recognition and support she received from the leadership and her colleagues. She acknowledged the role of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership she said contributed significantly to her success. She described her journey as challenging but rewarding and reaffirmed her commitment to serve with dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
Beyond her personal accomplishment, Balogun’s milestone represents a broader shift toward gender inclusion within the Nigeria Customs Service. Her success is already inspiring fellow officers and young women across the country to explore careers in aviation and other non-traditional fields.
As she takes to the skies in her new role, Superintendent Nafisat Balogun stands as a powerful symbol of possibility, proving that with courage, consistency, and support, women can rise to the highest levels in any profession.
