In a bold step towards national development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” aimed at transforming communities through education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The high-profile launch, held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, drew top government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Speaking at the event, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi described “Customs Cares” as a strategic response to Nigeria’s critical social and infrastructural gaps.
“This initiative is not just about donations but a long-term commitment to sustainable development. We are investing in the future of our communities, starting with education, because human capital development is key to national prosperity,” Adeniyi stated.
The Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, was selected for the first phase of the initiative, benefitting over 1,300 students through improved learning facilities, security infrastructure, and educational materials. The NCS plan to adopt one school in each Local Government Area of the FCT, ensuring continuous intervention tailored to their unique needs.
Commending the Customs Service for going beyond its revenue-generation mandate, Finance Minister Wale Edun described the initiative as a game-changer for national development.
“The Customs Cares initiative proves that government agencies can integrate social impact into their core responsibilities. This is leadership in action,” he said.
Education Minister Olatunji Alausa in his remarks hailed the project’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urged collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) for greater impact.
Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande also praised the initiative as a blueprint for youth empowerment, emphasizing that investment in education would shape Nigeria’s future workforce.
According to Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, who head the NCS CSR Unit, the initiative extended beyond education, encompassing healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. She highlighted plans for mobile clinics, medical outreaches, anti-malaria campaigns, water boreholes, improved electricity supply, and agricultural support to strengthen food security.
“No Nigerian should go hungry. We will strengthen the agricultural value chain to boost food security,” Ibrahim assured.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu, described the intervention as “a historic moment” for the institution.
“This investment in our school is life-changing. It will enhance learning, security, and the overall academic experience for our students,” she said.
With the successful launch of “Customs Cares,” stakeholders are eager to see the next phases unfold across the FCT and beyond. The initiative set a precedent for how government agencies can leverage their resources for sustainable national development.
