By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Hope was rekindled as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commissioned a newly constructed four-classroom block at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, in a move aimed at strengthening education and rehabilitation for inmates.
The project, executed by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command under the Customs Cares Initiative, is designed to expand access to learning within the correctional facility and support the reintegration of inmates into society upon completion of their sentences.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service remains committed to people focused interventions that align with national development priorities and global best practices.
He explained that the Customs Cares Initiative draws inspiration from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, water provision and literacy support.
“The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to undertake impactful interventions that improve lives and promote sustainable development,
"This project also aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to uplift citizens and foster national growth, Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss commended Assistant Comptroller-General Joy Edeldouk for her leadership and dedication in ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
On his part, the Comptroller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Amos Kupan, described the classroom block as a significant boost to the correctional centre’s rehabilitation mandate.
Kupan noted that the intervention reflects the strong corporate social responsibility culture of the Customs Service and reinforces inter-agency collaboration in nation-building.
“This laudable project demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting the rehabilitation objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service,
"It will greatly enhance the learning environment and strengthen our educational and vocational training programmes, he said.
Assistant Comtroller-General Edeldouk, alongside the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, DC Bolaji Adigun, described the facility as a symbol of renewed hope and a pathway to personal transformation through education.
Stakeholders at the event applauded the initiative, noting that it underscores the evolving role of the Customs Service beyond revenue generation and border security to include meaningful social impact.
The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the classroom block by the Comptroller-General of Customs and a guided tour of the facility, marking another step toward human capital development within Nigeria’s correctional system.
