The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged officers and stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to embrace charity, discipline, and community service as core values, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 21, 2025, at the grand Iftar organised by Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of selflessness and social responsibility.
He noted that Ramadan offered an opportunity for reflection and empathy towards the less privileged, added that fasting foster a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those in need.
“Charity teaches us to care for the less privileged. Beyond personal devotion and the discipline we cultivate during this period, fasting allows us to experience, even if briefly, what those who cannot afford to eat go through daily,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss also highlighted the spiritual connection between Ramadan and Lent, stressed that the simultaneous observance of both fasting periods by Muslims and Christians promoted unity through shared sacrifice and reflection.
“For the second or third time in a row, we are witnessing Ramadan running simultaneously with the Lent period. This reminds us of our shared duty to care for others, to reflect on our blessings, and to give back to society,” he noted.
Adeniyi linked these values to the NCS’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, “Customs Cares,” which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and social investments.
“What we are doing today is a stepping stone for what we have chosen to do—the launch of our CSR programme. In the true spirit of Ramadan and Lent, I urge all of us to embrace service to humanity as a guiding principle, as it epitomizes who we are as an organisation,” he added.
He further emphasized that Customs personnel must see their duties beyond revenue collection and border security, reminding them of their responsibility to uplift the communities they serve.
“We are described as a Service—the Nigeria Customs Service. Our duty goes beyond enforcing trade laws; we also have an obligation to serve our community. Let us embody this spirit not only during Ramadan and Lent but as a defining part of our daily work,” Adeniyi urged.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, and his team for organizing the event, commending the serene atmosphere created for the Iftar.
Praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria, Adeniyi wished all officers and stakeholders the blessing of witnessing many more Ramadan seasons in good health.
“May Almighty Allah grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadan seasons in our lives. We pray for a better Nigeria and that our acts of service will contribute to a more compassionate and united nation,” he concluded.
Earlier, TMP Chairman Saleh Ahmadu thanked attendees for honoring the invitation and prayed for divine rewards upon all participants.
