Nafisat Balogun has described her emergence as the first as. Pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as a deeply emotional and humbling milestone, saying the achievement goes beyond personal success to symbolise hope for young girls across the country.

Balogun said the feat represents proof that dreams are valid and achievable when determination meets opportunity.

“Achieving that milestone was a deeply humbling and emotional moment. It wasn’t just a personal achievement; it represented hope and possibility for every young girl who needs to see that her dreams are valid and achievable,” she said.

According to her, becoming the first female pilot in the service also came with a sense of responsibility to open doors and change long-standing narratives in a male-dominated field.

“I was proud to stand as a symbol of what is possible when determination meets opportunity,” Balogun added.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for the institutional support she received throughout her journey, particularly officers and men of the service whose encouragement, she said, made the process easier.

Balogun also singled out the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Chairman of the World Customs Organization for their leadership and commitment to inclusivity.

“I felt honoured to represent women in aviation and sincerely grateful for the support of the Nigeria Customs Service. I am especially thankful to the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, BA Adeniyi, MFR, and the Chairman of the World Customs Organization for their leadership, belief and commitment to inclusivity,” she said.

Reflecting on the broader significance of her achievement, Balogun noted that breaking barriers is not about individual recognition but about creating opportunities for others to follow.

“More than anything, the achievement reminded me that breaking barriers is not about personal recognition. It is about opening doors, changing narratives, and creating pathways for others to follow,” she stated.

She added that being the first comes with responsibility, expressing hope that many more women would rise after her and make such milestones commonplace rather than exceptional.

Balogun also attributed part of her personal and professional growth to her exposure to different regions early in life, which she said shaped her adaptability and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

“Living between two regions broadened my worldview early in life and shaped me into someone who is adaptable, tolerant, and comfortable working with people from different backgrounds,” she said.

Her story continues to resonate as a symbol of progress for women in aviation and public service in Nigeria. (Sunday Tribune)