Customs Marks First Anniversary of ‘Customs Cares’ with School Project Commissioning in Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated one year of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘Customs Cares’, with the commissioning of a major intervention project at Government Secondary School Wuse, underscoring its growing commitment to education and community development.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, performed the commissioning on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, describing the project as a clear demonstration of the Service’s resolve to make tangible contributions beyond its core mandate of revenue generation and border security.
Addressing students, teachers, and stakeholders at the event, Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the outcomes recorded since the school was adopted under the CSR framework. He noted that improvements in student performance and the overall learning environment validated the decision.
“What we have seen here today shows clearly that we did not make a mistake in adopting this school. The performance by the students reflects the impact of what has been done,” he said.
The Customs boss emphasised that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure development, highlighting its role in shaping the personal and academic growth of young Nigerians.
“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about creating opportunities for young people to grow, interact and build confidence for the future,” he added.
The intervention at the school included the renovation of key facilities, installation of solar-powered lighting to enhance security, deployment of CCTV surveillance systems, and the provision of educational materials. These upgrades, according to Adeniyi, were informed by early engagement with the school management, which identified pressing needs in infrastructure and safety.
Describing the project as a fulfilment of a promise, the CGC said the timely delivery reflects the Service’s dedication to impactful service.
“This is a promise made and a promise kept. We are pleased that the project has been delivered on time and to the benefit of the students,” he stated.
He also encouraged students to take full advantage of the improved facilities, particularly in honing communication and public speaking skills essential for leadership and future career success.
On sustainability, Adeniyi raised concerns about the deterioration of public infrastructure due to poor maintenance culture. He called for structured partnerships with the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure the long-term upkeep of the facilities.
“Our office remains open for further collaboration, but we must ensure that what has been provided is properly sustained,” he said.
Earlier, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Cares Unit, Patience Ibrahim, described the milestone as a significant achievement for the initiative, which was conceived to address developmental gaps in communities where the Service operates.
“In just one year, the initiative has grown into a recognised platform for delivering impactful projects across the country, and this intervention reflects the Service’s commitment to education as a driver of national development,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Board, Danlami Hayyo, praised the NCS for its forward-thinking approach, describing the project as a meaningful investment in the future of Nigerian children.
“This intervention goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a commitment to the future of these students and to the broader goal of sustainable development,” he said, adding that the initiative provides a pathway for deeper collaboration between public institutions and the education sector.
In her remarks, the school’s Principal, Josephine Ugwu, described the project as transformative. She highlighted the renovation of the multi-purpose hall, improved security systems, and enhanced lighting as critical upgrades that would enrich both academic and extracurricular activities.
“These facilities have transformed our environment. The hall will now serve as a centre for learning, cultural activities and talent development,” she said, noting that the intervention would leave a lasting legacy on students and strengthen community bonds within the school.
The event featured a series of activities, including a friendly basketball match between the NCS team and students of the school, as well as a tree-planting exercise led by the Comptroller-General and senior officials. The ceremony also attracted directors from the FCT Secondary Education Board and other key stakeholders in the education sector.
Launched in 2025, the ‘Customs Cares’ initiative forms part of broader efforts by the NCS to align its operations with sustainable development goals, particularly in education, health, and environmental sustainability.
Observers note that such interventions reflect a growing trend among government agencies in Nigeria to institutionalise CSR as a tool for inclusive national development.
