DC Hadison’s Spectacular Journey: A Symphony of Support and Mentorship from CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

By Muhammad Bashir, Abuja

Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison, a distinguished leader within the Nigeria Customs Service, has left an indelible mark on the organization throughout his commendable career that began on the 20th of August 1994. Joining as an Inspector of Customs, Hadison’s journey has been characterized by exceptional prowess, unwavering bravery, and steadfast loyalty to his senior colleagues.

His service record boasts assignments in various Area Commands, including FOU Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi, Bauchi/Gombe, Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Tincan, TRADOC, Customs Police, Enforcement and Drug Headquarters in Apapa, and his current role as the Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja. Hadison’s ability to tackle diverse challenges and display resilience in each role has made him a respected figure within the service.

In his capacity as the Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja, Hadison has demonstrated unwavering support for Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. His commitment to the success of Adeniyi’s administration goes beyond verbal expressions of gratitude. Hadison has translated his appreciation into tangible achievements, effectively contributing to the enhancement of the service’s quality, efficiency, and reputation.

Hadison’s educational journey has been marked by a pursuit of knowledge both within and outside the nation. Attending institutions such as the Command and Staff College Jaji, Nigeria Army School of Military Police Basawa, Nigeria Army War College, and Defense Intelligence College, he has acquired a diverse skill set that he passionately utilizes in serving the Customs administration.

With a belief in the importance of capacity building, Hadison has invested over nine years in training officers. His role as a mentor to upcoming officers is evidenced by the title ‘Father of Regimentation’ bestowed upon him by those he has trained. His commitment to nurturing disciplined and professional customs officers speaks volumes about his dedication to the growth of the service.

Throughout his career, Hadison has held key positions such as Head of Operations, Officer-in-Charge of Tally Operations, and Head of Tarmac Operations and Revenue Recovery Team. His tenure as a member of the Directing Staff and Director of Coordination in Acting capacity at the Command and Staff College Gwagwalada showcases his versatility and leadership acumen.

Hadison’s vision for Customs Training College Ikeja underscores his commitment to maintaining the institution’s adherence to the latest standards and practices. He attributes the success of the college to its robust training module, resource persons, and the Rural Border Patrol Tactical Team, many of whom have been trained by certified personnel.

Optimistic about the future of the Nigeria Customs Service Training College, Hadison places his trust in the seasoned leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. He foresees a bright future for the service, buoyed by ongoing reforms and the wealth of experience brought by Adeniyi, who has served several CGCs for over two decades.

Amidst his various assignments across Area Commands, Hadison’s leadership shone brightly when he was deployed to Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi Command. Serving as the Head of Operations at the Kamba Out-Station, his strategic acumen and operational expertise significantly contributed to the efficiency of customs operations in the region. Similarly, during his tenure in Apapa, Hadison assumed the crucial role of Officer-in-Charge of Tally Operations, showcasing his attention to detail and organizational skills in managing vital aspects of customs processes.

Notably, Hadison’s contributions extended to Murtala Muhammad International Airport, where he served as the head of Tarmac Operations and led the Revenue Recovery Team at the SAHCOL shed. His role in such a dynamic environment required a unique set of skills, and Hadison’s ability to navigate complex scenarios demonstrated his adaptability and effectiveness in diverse operational settings.

Furthermore, at the Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Hadison served as a member of the Directing Staff and Director of Coordination in Acting capacity. In this educational leadership role, he played a pivotal part in shaping the learning experiences of fellow officers, emphasizing the importance of coordination and collaboration in achieving organizational goals. This aspect of his career highlights not only his operational expertise but also his commitment to the development and education of customs personnel.

Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison’s impact goes beyond his immediate responsibilities. He has not only excelled in various operational capacities but has also played a crucial role in the educational and developmental aspects of the Nigeria Customs Service. His multifaceted career, encompassing leadership in operations and education, solidifies his position as a stalwart figure in the service, contributing significantly to its past successes and future potential.

Undoubtedly, DC is an exemplary officer in the Nigeria Customs Service who demonstrated unparalleled dedication and competence throughout his illustrious career. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident in the multitude of workshops, trainings, and capacity-building programs he has attended, both within and outside Nigeria.

In 2007, DC Hadison embarked on a pivotal journey by participating in a General Investigation Course at the EFCC Research Institute in Karu Abuja. This course was specifically designed to equip officers with the skills needed to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

The international scope of his training continued with a Criminal Enforcement of Intellectual Property at the Border program in Sierra Leone (2010), emphasizing the critical role of customs officers in safeguarding intellectual property rights.

DC Hadison’s commitment to border security and anti-terrorism efforts was further demonstrated through his participation in the Regional Cross-Border Management Consultation Course sponsored by the Office of the Anti-Terrorism Assistant Bureau Diplomatic Security, US Department of State (2015).

His global perspective expanded with Port Operations and Cargo Flow Processing training at the Port of Hamburg, Germany (2010), illustrating his proficiency in managing complex logistics and international trade operations.

The officer’s dedication to enhancing his skills in diverse areas is evident in his participation in courses such as Rural Border Patrol Operations (USA, 2013), General Scanner Operations, Image Analysis, and Recheck Duties Training by COTECNA (2012), and Leadership Development Course at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Command and Staff College Jaji (2020).

DC Hadison’s commitment to national security is underscored by his involvement in courses like Leadership Course in Criminal and Security Intelligence Management at Defense Intelligence College (2022), Peace Support Operational Course at the Army War College Nigeria (2021), Joint Integrated Operational Planning Course at Army War College (2021), and Higher Military Strategy and Management Course at Army War College Nigeria (2021).

He also completed significant courses at home, including the Senior Division Course at Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada (2018), Military Police Special Investigation Course (2018), and the Senior Officer’s Entrepreneurship and Management Course at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (2023).

His commitment to staying at the forefront of customs and security management is further highlighted by his participation in World Customs Organization Courses in 2023, covering Leadership and Management Development, Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Role of Customs in Disaster Relief, all held in Brussels.

Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison’s extensive and diverse training experiences underscore his commitment to excellence, making him a beacon of inspiration within the Nigeria Customs Service and beyond. His journey exemplifies the importance of continuous learning in a dynamic and challenging professional landscape.

In the grand tapestry of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison’s stellar career emerges as a testament to the unwavering support, encouragement, and mentorship bestowed upon him by the visionary leader, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

From the inception of his career as an Inspector of Customs on the 20th of August 1994, Hadison’s trajectory has been adorned with triumphs across various Area Commands, each chapter echoing the resounding influence of CGC Adeniyi. As the Commandant of Customs Training College, Ikeja, Hadison’s dedication to excellence mirrors the commitment instilled by Adeniyi’s transformative leadership.

Adeniyi’s leadership ethos transcends mere verbal expressions of gratitude; it manifests in tangible achievements within the service. Hadison’s multifaceted contributions to the enhancement of quality, efficiency, and reputation stand as a testament to the harmonious partnership between a stalwart mentor and an exemplary mentee.

In his pivotal role as the head of Tarmac Operations at Murtala Muhammad International Airport or as the Officer-in-Charge of Tally Operations in Apapa, Hadison’s attention to detail and organizational prowess were undoubtedly nurtured under the watchful eye of CGC Adeniyi. The dynamic nature of these roles required a unique set of skills, and Hadison’s ability to navigate complex scenarios reflects the resilience instilled by his mentor.

Beyond operational excellence, Hadison’s impact extended to educational leadership at the Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, where he served as a member of the Directing Staff and Director of Coordination in Acting capacity. This echoes Adeniyi’s commitment to holistic development and education within the service, with Hadison playing a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences of fellow officers.

Hadison’s vision for Customs Training College Ikeja aligns seamlessly with Adeniyi’s ongoing reforms, emphasizing adherence to the latest standards and practices. The ‘Father of Regimentation,’ as he is affectionately known by those he has trained, embodies Adeniyi’s belief in the transformative power of mentorship.

As Hadison looks optimistically towards the future of the Nigeria Customs Service Training College, he does so with trust in the seasoned leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. Their symbiotic relationship foresees a bright future for the service, propelled by a wealth of experience and ongoing reforms.

In the grand narrative of customs brilliance, Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison’s chronicles are intertwined with the empowering support and mentorship of CGC Adeniyi. Together, they have not only shaped the past successes of the service but also laid a foundation for its limitless future potential.

In conclusion, Deputy Comptroller Haniel Hadison stands as a remarkable figure within the Nigeria Customs Service. His journey is marked by a dedication to duty, a commitment to continuous learning, and a passion for shaping the next generation of customs officers. His multifaceted career and leadership qualities underscore his significant contributions to the service’s past, present, and future.

This article was authored by Muhammad Bashir, a Multimedia Professional, Analyst, and Public Commentator based in Abuja. For additional inquiries, Bashir can be contacted via email at macbashir89@gmail.com.