By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to national development beyond revenue generation and border security, commemorating the first anniversary of its “Customs Cares” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative with the commissioning of key projects at Government Secondary School, Wuse 3, Abuja.
At a ceremony held, the Service unveiled a refurbished assembly hall, donated basketball kits and balls to the school’s team, and embarked on a tree-planting exercise within the premises to promote environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the “Customs Cares” initiative was designed as a multi-sectoral intervention targeting critical areas such as education, healthcare, food security, environmental sustainability, social investment and the creative economy.
He noted that the programme underscores the Service’s resolve to make meaningful contributions to national development, stressing that its responsibilities extend beyond trade facilitation and revenue collection.
Adeniyi commended the students for their recent basketball victory over the Customs team, describing it as a testament to the school’s growing sporting excellence.
He added that the upgraded assembly hall would provide a conducive environment for students to build confidence, enhance creativity, and improve communication skills.
The Customs boss also called for stronger collaboration among schools, government institutions and private sector stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and proper maintenance of public infrastructure.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative within its first year, Adeniyi disclosed that the Service aims to reach 50,000 pupils nationwide, with about 15,000 students already benefiting from various interventions.
He further revealed that the programme has expanded beyond educational support to include the provision of water in underserved communities, in line with broader sustainable development goals.
Earlier, the Head of the Customs Cares CSR Unit, Mbwidiffu Ibrahim, described the initiative as a strategic platform for addressing pressing community needs while investing in the future of young Nigerians.
Representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its intervention in the education sector and urged the school authorities to ensure the judicious use of the newly commissioned facilities.
Also speaking, Fatima Gambo Babba said the project reflects the growing synergy between public institutions and the education sector in advancing quality learning outcomes.
In her remarks, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Josephine Chizoba Ugwu, expressed gratitude to the Customs Service for the intervention, noting that the provision of CCTV cameras and solar-powered lighting would significantly enhance security and improve the teaching and learning environment.
The anniversary event not only celebrated a year of impactful community engagement but also highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s evolving role as a key partner in national development through strategic social investments.
