Customs Embarks on Community-Based CSR Initiatives in Lagos
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a series of community-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at improving public schools in Lagos State.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the initiatives during the commissioning of a newly renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun area of Lagos on Thursday.
Adeniyi highlighted that the Customs CSR efforts focus on life-changing interventions across sectors such as education, healthcare, sports, the creative industry/ICT, and water-related needs.
He emphasized that the NCS would not be recognized solely for its role in revenue generation, but also for its contribution to national development and community well-being.
“Our CSR target in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students across the country with writing tools, bags, school uniform, pencils, biro, eraser, sharpener, raincoat, among other things,” he said.
“We have donated writing materials to 10,000 children, so we are going to reach out to school pupils in other parts of the country.”
Adeniyi also revealed plans to support healthcare delivery for 10,000 Nigerians in 2025, reaffirming that communities where the Customs Service operates remain "strong pillars" for its CSR programmes.
“What we are doing is in line with our CSR. All our communities where we serve remain strong pillars. That is why we will continue to support them,” he stated.
He expressed deep appreciation to Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, for ensuring the successful completion of the renovation project.
“I most sincerely commend Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command and his team in ensuring that the project is successfully delivered to the pupils,” he added.
The Customs boss also acknowledged the support of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for permitting Customs’ involvement in the educational intervention.
Adeniyi further announced that the Lagos State Government had allocated 50 hectares of land in Badagry to the NCS for the construction of a College of Education, which has received federal approval to commence development.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Adeniyi recalled his own humble educational background, stating, “I was a student several years ago from Modakeke High School and God has supported me to this level because education is a road map to success.”
He noted the significance of community-based education by referencing prominent individuals who grew up and attended schools in Ajegunle, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Universal Basic Education, Ali-Balogun.
“We started Customs CSR with Sagbokoji Primary School, a riverine community under Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, and now we are in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” he said.
“The picture we let you appreciate the depth of Customs intervention. We are happy that our interventions have brought a conducive environment and also Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
Adeniyi also announced plans to collaborate with the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to support the Marakana stadium project, aimed at nurturing sporting talents in the community.
In his welcome remarks, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih, described the commissioning as the beginning of a transformative journey that would leave a lasting footprint in host communities.
Orbih praised the leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi, noting that he had consistently demonstrated that a modern Customs Service should excel not only in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security, but also in social impact.
Also speaking, Comptroller Mbwidiffu Ibrahim, who oversees Customs’ CSR portfolio, stated that the initiatives were designed to bridge the gap between the Service and society.
“The CSR reinforces the fact that Customs is not just a government institution,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Paul Adeboye, a member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun at the House of Representatives, lauded the Customs Service for respecting the CSR Act and encouraged other government agencies to follow suit.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom, also commended the NCS for being the first government agency to extend CSR efforts to a primary school in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun area. He advised school authorities to create a maintenance unit for the renovated facilities.
The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA, Mr. Fatai Ayoola, expressed gratitude to Customs for investing in children who represent the future of the country.
He noted that the council had built the Marakana stadium and was committed to engaging the youth in sports and vocational training to reduce street involvement.
The Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Easter Ogunseyi, thanked the NCS for the renovation, saying the improved facilities would create a more conducive learning environment. She recalled that the school was once voted the best in Nigeria in 2013.
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