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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched Customs Cares, its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in demonstrating a profound commitment to community development.
As a cornerstone of this initiative, the Service has equipped Government Secondary School (GSS) Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, with CCTV cameras and solar-powered street lights, bolstering security and fostering a safer, more conducive learning environment for students.
In addition to the renovation of the school auditorium and the provision of learning materials to all the students, the initiative kick-starts the first pillar of the CSR program, which is targeted at investing in the future of Nigerian youths through educational support and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has commended the men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for committing approximately 4 per cent of their annual wage bill (equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one-month salary) to fund Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Customs Cares initiative.
Edun, who described the Customs’ gesture as a rare initiative, lauded the management of the Service under Wale Adeniyi for the CSR interventions, which cut across six areas, education, healthcare, social investments, environmental sustainability, and more.
The Minister urged the students to remain committed to their studies as future leaders of Nigeria and Africa. He reiterated that the current administration’s policy reforms—fuel subsidy removal and a liberalised exchange rate policy—are necessary measures to safeguard the economy from collapse.
Earlier, an elated Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the Service’s commitment to community development beyond its core mandate of trade facilitation and border security. He stated that the initiative aims to enhance security and improve learning conditions for students.
Speaking at the launch, Adeniyi described Customs Cares as a long-term project designed to address social, educational, and infrastructural challenges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“In recognition of our responsibility to the communities that host us, we have embarked on a comprehensive CSR strategy that prioritizes education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
“Today’s launch at GSS Wuse Zone 3 symbolizes the beginning of our investment in the future of our nation—our youth,” Adeniyi said.
The selection of GSS Wuse Zone 3 was deliberate, Adeniyi explained, as the school holds historical significance for the Nigeria Customs, which once had its headquarters in the area.
The initiative is designed to provide continuous support rather than a one-time intervention. “Our adoption of schools will be sustained over time to ensure lasting impact,” he assured.
Adeniyi also highlighted plans to extend the initiative across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with one school in each local government area benefiting from tailored interventions.
These efforts will be based on needs assessments conducted in partnership with local education authorities and school management.
The Customs Cares initiative is structured around six key pillars, with education being the primary focus. Other aspects include healthcare interventions, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment programs.
The Service also intends to launch mobile clinics and malaria prevention campaigns in underserved communities, particularly in border areas.
He explained that “the Customs Cares initiative embodies the wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who once said, ‘The children of the poor you failed to train will never let your children have peace.’ This timeless insight underscores why we have prioritized education and comprehensive community development in our approach.”
To sustain funding for the initiative, Adeniyi disclosed that the NCS had committed 4 per cent of its annual wage bill, equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one-month salary.
“Following extensive consultations with the NCS management, I am pleased to disclose that the Service has committed to earmark approximately 4 per cent of our annual wage bill (equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one-month salary) to fund this initiative,” Adeniyi stated.
He praised Customs officers for their voluntary contributions, noting that many had pledged additional support through personal donations and expertise.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the Customs Service is incorporating innovative approaches to environmental sustainability.
A planned recycling initiative will repurpose used tires into school bags, sandals, and tiles, further integrating sustainability into the CSR program.
Principal of the school, Mrs. Josephine Chizoba Ugwu, expressed her excitement over the intervention by the Customs Service.
She described the initiative as a thoughtful gesture that made the students feel pampered and cared for.
She assured that with the improved learning environment, the students would not only excel academically but also develop strong character.
