Ken Okeke
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has premiered a groundbreaking film, Beyond the Badge, a tribute to the NCS’s unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.
The event, held in Lagos on Thursday, 22 November 2024, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, brought together film enthusiasts, stakeholders, and customs officers.
Senior officers and cast members highlighted the film’s impact and significance.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, shared his experience of working with customs officers on set: “They are very firm people, very disciplined. We made a lot of sacrifices, shooting in the rain and under the sun. I didn’t know much about the service, but with love and humility, they corrected me. They contributed immensely to the process, and if I had shot this without them, it would have been a disaster.”
Stakeholders praised the production and called for a sequel or a series.
Speaking shortly after the event, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, in charge of the Tin Can Island Port Command, commented on the film’s portrayal of customs officers’ daily routines: “Beyond the Badge shows what customs officers go through to secure the country. People don’t know about the hazards we face, the health risks, or the trauma our families endure. This film is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Beyond the Badge has been hailed landmark production that showcases the bravery, resilience, and dedication of customs officers to national security and economic development.