Nigeria Customs Service gets first female pilot Olanike Balogun
By Jeffrey Agbo
Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot), Olanike Balogun, has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), advancing from a cabin crew member to a trailblazer in the aviation sector.
In a statement shared by the NCS on Sunday via X, Balogun, who was born in Kaduna and hails from Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State, was celebrated for her remarkable achievement.
Her journey began in 2002 when she joined the Service as a Customs Assistant, assigned to the NCS Airwing Unit.
The NCS commended her resilience and ambition, emphasising how the organization’s support was instrumental in transforming her dream into reality.
“Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” Balogun said.
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Her achievements include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with full sponsorship by the NCS.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Balogun said, “My role as the first female pilot in the Service reflects my commitment to advancing my dream and enhancing the operational capabilities of the NCS.”
She added, “I hope my journey motivates young Nigerians, especially women, to chase their dreams and break through barriers.”
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, lauded her achievement, calling it a testament to the NCS’s dedication to capacity building and innovation.
“Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” he stated.
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