Kebbi Customs Revives Medical Check-ups, Weekly Exercises to Boost Officers’ Health, Morale in Anti-Smuggling War
The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reinstated routine medical check-ups and mandatory weekly fitness exercises for its officers, a decisive move aimed at enhancing their operational readiness and overall well-being.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, is aimed at boosting officers’ morale and physical fitness in the ongoing fight against smuggling.
The first phase of the programme was flagged off on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi. Officers and men of the Command participated in a series of health screenings and sports activities, including football, basketball, and table tennis.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Comptroller Nwokorie explained that the exercise is part of efforts to promote a work-life balance within the Service in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC).
He emphasised the importance of regular health checks and physical fitness as key components in maintaining the alertness and effectiveness required for Customs duties.
“This exercise is not meant to be seen as a burden or an obligation imposed on officers,” Nwokorie stated. “Rather, it should be embraced as a proactive measure to safeguard the health of our personnel and ensure they are in optimal shape to carry out their responsibilities.”
The Customs boss revealed that henceforth, medical examinations will be conducted fortnightly, while physical exercise sessions will be held every week without fail.
According to him, the objective is to strengthen the resilience, agility, and general health of personnel tasked with enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws and combating illicit smuggling activities across the nation’s borders.
The activities concluded with officers engaging in various forms of sports and recreational games, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Command.
Superintendent of Customs Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, Public Relations Officer for the Kebbi Area Command, signed the official release on behalf of the Comptroller.
The Kebbi Command’s renewed focus on health and morale comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to meet growing national expectations for border security and anti-smuggling enforcement.
