On February 26, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made headlines with a post on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirming its dedication to gender inclusivity in security operations. Accompanied by an image of uniformed NCS personnel, both men and women, standing together, the post highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to integrate a gender perspective into its work. This announcement signals a moment in Nigeria’s journey toward gender equality within its security sector.
A Step Toward Gender Equality
The NCS’s recent statement aligns with a growing national and international push to ensure women play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s security landscape. This commitment is part of a broader framework established by Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security, launched in 2019. Rooted in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the NAP aims to increase women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security roles across the country. According to the PeaceWomen.org database on 1325 National Action Plans, Nigeria has reported progress in this area, including periodic gender training for security sector agencies like the NCS. The 2020 Beijing+25 national report specifically noted the inclusion of women in councils of traditional rulers, gender training for security agencies, and a marginal upsurge in women’s political and operational participation.
The NCS’s focus on gender inclusivity also resonates with global best practices. The World Customs Organization (WCO), as mentioned in related web results, has initiatives like the BACUDA project, which raises awareness and builds capacity for modern customs practices, potentially including gender-responsive approaches. Similarly, the Australian National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2012–2018), detailed by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, offers a model of integrating gender perspectives into security operations, a framework Nigeria appears to emulate.
Moreover, recent data from the World Health Organization emphasizes the value of gender-balanced surveillance networks in Nigeria, particularly in health and security operations. Studies show that diverse teams, including significant female representation, lead to more effective outcomes, as women bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving and community engagement. This evidence supports the NCS’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment, ensuring that both men and women contribute equally to national security.
Cultural and Institutional Shifts Driving Change
Nigeria’s cultural landscape, traditionally shaped by patriarchal norms, has been gradually evolving. Academic studies and reports, such as those referenced in the Beijing+25 report, highlight a shift in societal attitudes, with women increasingly taking on leadership roles in various sectors, including security. The NCS’s commitment reflects this broader cultural transformation, challenging long-standing gender stereotypes and positioning women as equal partners alongside their male counterparts in safeguarding national borders and enforcing customs regulations.
Institutionally, the NCS’s move is part of a concerted effort by Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt gender-responsive policies. Pillar 5 of Nigeria’s NAP emphasizes increasing resources for coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on women, peace, and security initiatives. This includes domestic funding from state governments, private sectors, and financial institutions, as well as external support through international partnerships. Such resources are critical for scaling up training programs, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring women have equal opportunities for advancement within the NCS.
The Women’s Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN), led by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF Nigeria), further complements these efforts by connecting women’s roles in conflict prevention with their participation in electoral processes. While focused on elections, the WSRN’s work on observing, monitoring, and reporting gender-based violence provides a blueprint for similar initiatives within security agencies like the NCS, fostering a culture of inclusivity and accountability.
What to Expect: Future Directions and Challenges
Looking ahead, the NCS’s commitment to gender inclusivity is likely to drive several key developments. First, we can expect continued policy reforms and enhanced training programs tailored to address gender-specific needs and challenges within the customs service. These programs may include leadership development for women, sensitivity training for all personnel, and the establishment of mentorship schemes to support female officers’ career progression.
Second, measurable targets for female representation in leadership roles within the NCS are likely to emerge. Nigeria’s NAP and international commitments, such as those under UNSCR 1325, create pressure, both domestic and global, to achieve gender parity in security sectors. This could involve setting specific quotas or benchmarks for women in senior positions, as well as tracking progress through regular reporting mechanisms.
Third, international partnerships will play a crucial role. The NCS may deepen collaboration with organizations like the WCO, which could provide technical assistance, funding, and best practices for integrating gender perspectives into customs operations. Similarly, partnerships with regional bodies, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), could amplify these efforts, aligning Nigeria’s initiatives with regional gender equality goals.
However, challenges remain. Cultural resistance to gender equality, resource constraints, and the need for sustained political will could hinder progress. The NCS will need to navigate these obstacles by fostering internal champions of change, securing consistent funding, and engaging communities to build broader support for gender inclusivity.
A Transformative Vision for Nigeria’s Security Sector
The Nigeria Customs Service’s reaffirmation of its commitment to gender inclusivity in security operations, as highlighted on February 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more equitable security sector. By aligning with national policies like the NAP on Women, Peace, and Security, and drawing on global best practices, the NCS is poised to lead by example, ensuring that women are not only present but also empowered within its ranks.
As Nigeria continues to address security challenges ranging from border control to combating smuggling and trafficking—the inclusion of women in these efforts will enhance effectiveness, resilience, and community trust. With sustained investment, innovative policies, and international cooperation, the future of gender inclusivity in the NCS and beyond looks promising, setting a precedent for other security agencies in Nigeria and the region. This transformative vision, rooted in equality and collaboration, promises to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework while advancing the rights and roles of women in society.
