Ministers, WHO, and Key Stakeholders Applaud Nigeria Customs Service’s Groundbreaking Intervention in Education and Social Development
In a bold stride towards national development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Customs Cares, signaling a transformative shift in community engagement. The launch, held at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, brought together top government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The initiative, spearheaded by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, is a strategic intervention designed to address Nigeria’s pressing social, educational, and infrastructural challenges. More than 1,300 students benefited from the first phase, underscoring the Service’s commitment to long-term community impact.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
Describing Customs Cares as a bold response to societal needs, CGC Adeniyi highlighted its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This initiative represents a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that our impact is not just immediate but sustainable. We are prioritizing education as the foundation for national prosperity,” Adeniyi stated.
The programme’s phased rollout will see Customs adopt schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with each institution receiving tailored interventions to address specific needs.
“Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, was chosen based on historical ties and infrastructural needs. But this is just the beginning—we are making long-term commitments to support schools across all Local Area Councils,” the CGC assured.
Ministerial Endorsements and Strategic Collaborations
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded the initiative as a model for integrating social impact into government operations.
“The Customs Cares programme is a game-changer, proving that government institutions can be drivers of social transformation. The Ministry of Finance fully supports this visionary leadership by the NCS,” Edun affirmed.
Similarly, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa commended the Customs Service for prioritizing education, urging closer collaboration with agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) for greater impact.
“President Tinubu’s administration prioritizes education, healthcare, social investment, and food security. This initiative directly aligns with our national development agenda,” Alausa noted.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande emphasized the initiative’s role in empowering young Nigerians.
“Investing in education is investing in the future of our country. The Customs Cares initiative sets a strong precedent for how government agencies can contribute to national progress beyond their core mandates,” he said.
Beyond Education: A Broader Social Impact
Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, head of the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, outlined the Service’s broader vision for social impact.
“Beyond education, we will implement mobile clinics, medical outreaches, and anti-malaria campaigns. Additionally, we are launching water borehole projects, upgrading electricity infrastructure, and facilitating skill acquisition programmes,” she explained.
She further disclosed that the initiative would support agricultural extension services, food donations, and improved market access for farmers to strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
A Milestone for the Beneficiary School
Expressing gratitude, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu, hailed the initiative as a historic moment for the institution.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has not only invested in our students but also in the future of this country. The provision of learning materials and security infrastructure will significantly enhance our academic environment,” she remarked.
A National Model for CSR Excellence
The launch of Customs Cares attracted a distinguished audience, including WHO representatives, senior Customs officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders, all of whom praised the initiative as a blueprint for government-led social impact.
As Customs Cares expands nationwide, it signals a new era of proactive governance—one where public institutions play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Nigerians.
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